upgrading the wire feed drive in a wire feed welder

[alabbasi]

All,

I own a 220V Clarke 180EN which is a ~$400-500 welder (better then HF worse then Lincoln).
For what i've needed, it's served pretty well however the wire feed is not that smooth and tends to feed in humps. Is it possible to purchase an upgraded feed that's more robust and smoother in operation?

This is a stop gap as the ultimate goal is to purchase a Hobart Ironman 230 in the next year which will be a much better welder.

[barry12345]

Migs have parts that need replacement periodically. The torch liner in the hose is a typical cause of what you describe on many brands. Either made of tightly coiled wire or plastic tubing depending.

If the welder did not do this when newer it is typical cause. It is sold separately as a part. If it did it from brand new the actual wire drive unit is either not adjusted properly or is as you mention perhaps of questionable quality. I also guess you might be feeding wire too fast. It jamming into the work and creating back pressure on the wire. But I suspect you would see this happening.