Confused about CO2 bottles, regulators, fitments etc

[Jellybaby]

Hi guys, went and bought my mig 196 today, and was given a pure co2 bottle from a friend of a relative.

What's confusing me is the fitment on the co2 bottle is apparently 7/8" instead of 5/8" which I believe to be the more common fitment? I've already decided on buying a CO2 regulator from Weldequipe, however will I need an adapter to go between the Reg and the bottle?

Cheers

 

[mike 109444]

Are you SURE that it is a pure CO2 bottle?
Not sure what the thread size is on a pub type cylinder but that tends to be the usual fitting on a CO2 reg. I think some of the confusion/problems come from the fact that some (most?) of the hobby type cylinders with CO2 OR Ar/CO2 mix use the pub type connection so people get a Ar/CO2 reg then get a bottle of hobby type gas mix and find it does not fit. Check the cost of an adapter before splashing any more cash as they can sometimes be silly money. Your cheep (free) bottle may be more of a millstone if you have to flap around getting adapters. My pay to return it and say thanks but won't fit standard reg. You never know he might get you the correct one

 

[Jellybaby]

Definitely CO2, the bottle has CO2 written on it, as well as the bottle valve, and was also told it was filled with CO2 before it was given to me.

Do you know of anywhere that sells a range of adapters? I'm a first timer at this so have no idea where to begin

 

[mike 109444]

Not sure where you would get the CORRECT adapter as a lot of plumbing fittings are designed for compression of olives or tapered threads or sealer (ptfe) tape non of which would be ideal on a gas bottle. As you are in (near Brum ?) there should be plenty of places around. You could even try a welding shop as they will/should be aware of what you are talking about. How are you getting your measurement as Gas (BSP) threads are not taken from the od of the thread but relate to the pipe they would be used on. So a 1/4 bsp would look more like a 1/2" od thread.

 

[mike 109444]

Right just been out to one of my bottles (has the pub cylinder type fitting) this I use on my standard CO2 reg. The OD of the thread is 0.852" (21.66 mm) which is near as dam it 7/8 of an inch which is NOT the thread size. Think you have a standard size thread
See chart on this link
http://www.adaptall.com/tutorial/idbsp.html

 

[Jellybaby]

After all this confusion I have a normal size thread

Really appreciate your help Mike, I'm sure i'll be back soon

 

[mike 109444]

Note when you get your reg it should come with a nylon type washer fitted. This is the seal that seals! against the end of the bottle thread. Make sure the end of the thread is clean and smooth to get a good gas seal. You should only have to tighten the nut by hand then another 1/4 to 1/2 turn should be enough. Your bottle gauge will not go right up as the gas in CO2 is in liquid form and just the area above the liquid is in gas form. Remember to SECURE the bottle from falling over.

 

[mike 109444]

There is usually some one around to help
and welcome BTW

 

[Jellybaby]

Thank you very much for the help

 

[Wallace]

I had a look in the manual for your machine about setting up for use with gas to see what type of connection it has and it's not much help really! Was the machine supplied with a length of 4mm nylon tubing?

 

[Maker]

Remember, the thread is standard (RH) for non fuel gas and left hand for fuels, It might save you some confusion later (I wish someone told me that).

 

[Agautosport]

Hi guys, went and bought my mig 196 today, and was given a pure co2 bottle from a friend of a relative.

What's confusing me is the fitment on the co2 bottle is apparently 7/8" instead of 5/8" which I believe to be the more common fitment? I've already decided on buying a CO2 regulator from Weldequipe, however will I need an adapter to go between the Reg and the bottle?

Cheers

Hi,
What thickness of steel are you planning to weld ?
It's just that CO2 is not especially good for welding thin steel such as car bodywork etc.
If you are new to welding you might struggle with this gas.
Much better to get a proper CO2/Argon mix from the beginning .
As most members know I run SGS Gases Ltd and we sell Rent Free CO2/Argon cylinders .
We offer a cashback to Migwelding Forum members that may help you with the costs of a cylinder if you need one.

Alan

 

[Jellybaby]

Yes the machine came with 4mm nylon tubing that you can unscrew away from the Solenoid.

Alan, thanks for the information. I plan to weld steel round 2/3mm upwards, nothing thin.