Conneting big bottle to small welder

[classic2cv]

i've just bought a Clarke 135 TE

it's a very nice little welder but i would like to run it on my lager gas bottle

is it possible to get hold of the little 4mm push fit gas hose adaptor

(see photo)

I have the gauge and piping and I only need to connect it to the welder

 

[bawjaws]

you could just push the small tube (from welder) into the big tube and then hose clip it , worked for me for ages

 

[irondarren]

speak to mr weldequip

 

[malcolm]

you could just push the small tube (from welder) into the big tube and then hose clip it , worked for me for ages

I tried that once too - it popped apart with a big bang. Pressure in the line is the same as inside the gas bottle when the welder is not in use.

 

[shenion]

I tried that once too - it popped apart with a big bang. Pressure in the line is the same as inside the gas bottle when the welder is not in use.

The pressure is usually about 15-50 PSI.

Not anywhere near what is in the bottle.

I have measured it. I needed at least 50PSI for the mixer. Have a nice reg with a flowmeter but can't use it as the pressure is too low.

The Clarke works, I removed the flow restricter and found that setting it to 20LPM is 50PSI.

 

[malcolm]

I guess the reg stops the flow after a certain point then. That's sensible. Saves blowing the workpiece across the workshop when you just want to do a little tack.

 

[shenion]

It is not a flow regulator, it is a pressure regulator. It will always maintain a constant pressure on the low side.

If there is no flow meter, ther is usually a restrictor in the output fitting:

The above I pulled from the Clarke reg. The orifice is set to 10LPM for 25 PSI.

As to the OP, weldequip should have the adapter or hose that connects to the 4mm plastic tube. If not, roughen it up with sandpaper and glue it inside a similar tube. Then add a cable clamp. I used almost 3" of overlap when I had mine set up that way.

 

[bright-spark]

Machine Mart sell The Clarke Regulator hose that allows a connection between a small mig welder and a large cylinder

Clarke GRH2 ¼"BSP Gas Reg Hose £5 apx
Clarke GRH1 Gas Reg Hose 3/8" £7 apx

You will have to work out what fits your welder


http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/range/guid/CEA42C2C-814A-470F-8ECC-010C89AF1127

 

[classic2cv]

thats great

i'll have a look when i'm passing my local Machine Mart

thanks

 

[bright-spark]

Your welcome classic2cv how are you finding the welding with the Clarke 135 TE. Iv been looking a lot at the 151 TE over the last week quite interested but will hang in there and get a Portamig. Iv spent out on some gas welding gear from eBay BOC SAFFIRE 3 Old but will do the job to get me over burning a hole in my pocket syndrome

Not bad for £51.00 plus posting
So I can weld at home and not just at my once a week collage session.
I'll just have to keep on saving I think as the Clark is a nice unit but I need something that will stand up to being used all day long week in and week out.

 

[shenion]

I have the 130EN (110V US version.) It works well and I have worked it hard at times. Have never had it cut out from overheating. Did overheat the torch when my regulator screwed up (gas would flow for 6 seconds then stop.)

The Clarke's are good. I do wish I had gone for the 180EN (next step up here.) The PortaMIG is a better machine designed for higher duty cycles and has a beefier wire feeder.

 

[bright-spark]

Hi shenion

Im still in to minds to get a Clarke yet as it would be handy to practice on as Im new to this mig welding like you as I see used to gas but Im learning new tricks. I like your Airco welder very much and noticed it runs on single phase quite shocked at that I think a rethink is what I need and just go and get the Clarke and then look for a pro welding set up a little later on down the road as I will be moving back to Canada sometime 2oo9 I can use the gas setup for anything big and the clarke for body work.

 

[weldequip]

Your welcome classic2cv how are you finding the welding with the Clarke 135 TE. Iv been looking a lot at the 151 TE over the last week quite interested but will hang in there and get a Portamig. Iv spent out on some gas welding gear from eBay BOC SAFFIRE 3 Old but will do the job to get me over burning a hole in my pocket syndrome

Not bad for £51.00 plus posting
So I can weld at home and not just at my once a week collage session.
I'll just have to keep on saving I think as the Clark is a nice unit but I need something that will stand up to being used all day long week in and week out.

No Flashback Arrestors on that kit!... get yourself a pair cause you may only get one flashback!
weldequip

 

[shenion]

I like the 130EN but it is 20A at 110V. So it needs a dedicated power outlet unless I am doing thin stuff.

A 220V version would be better. I really wish i had gotten the 180EN. Only $65 more. Worth the money.

The Airco is nice for TIG and stick. No way I can use near its capacity on 220V. It wants 107 amps Haveit on a 50A breaker and have never tripped it.

The Clarke's hold their value. You can get a Clarke and keep an eye out on ebay for something local and better. I watched ebay for 2 months before finding the Airco 6 miles away and at a price less than it was worth in scrap metal

I paid $300 for the 130EN. I see them sell for $240+ on ebay used. WIll probably sell mine when I get the Airco feeder set up right.

 

[bright-spark]

No Flashback Arrestors on that kit!... get yourself a pair cause you may only get one flashback!
weldequip

Yep noticed that one Steve the resettable type flashback arrestors are on order also with a new set of hose just to be on the safe side but thanks for the very good advice as ever mate

I think you are right Scott I could re sell the Clarke at a later date the Portamig is made to order so this looks to be the best plan by the time I get the portamig hopefully my mig welding will match the high quality of the portamig unit I wish LOL and I will have my gas account all set up by next week with BOC

 

[classic2cv]

Hi Bright spark

i haven't tried my welder yet but i'll give it a go at the weekend and let you know

i got it as it's portable and my my NBC machine is not

(it two big people to put it into the van)

if it's as good as the Cebora 130 i used to have i'll have no problems

 

[bright-spark]

Hi Bright spark
i'll give it a go at the weekend and let you know
i got it as it's portable and my my NBC machine is not

Hi how's it going classic2cv very much looking forward to a review and thanks you just given me a very justifiable reason why I should go out and get one for doing portable jobs don't you just lov this forum. I can then find a all singing welding outfit like a Transmig at a later date so I can Tig,Mig,MMA

and a fringing Diesel 3 phase Generator to power it LOL