Technical Data
SIP Migmate - Replacing the Wire Liner
This page describes why the wire liner might need to be replaced and how to replace it. I bought a "torch service kit" for about £23 which includes some other bits and pieces, but wire liners are available by themselves for less than £10.
There are recognised weaknesses in the hobby SIP wire feed mechanisms (and those of some other hobby MIG welders). The bottom of the page links to fixes developed by the forum. The SIP Migmate shares it's wire feed system with the Topmig, and it's common from the 105 amp model up through the 150 and 170 amp welders. This one is a 130 Turbo built around 1998. All seem to have wire feed trouble • Tricky to get a smooth weld at low amps • End of wire isn't steady when welding - seems to move up and down • Motor speed changes while welding • The wire slips between the feed wheels The wire feed motor (circled in red) is one source of the trouble. This is a low cost welder so they made the wire feed motor very small. It seems to work well enough when new, but doesn't have much extra capacity to overcome problems with the wire feed system and liner as the welder gets older. High friction The wire seemed very stiff to pull through the liner.