2 bottles on one machine

[BrokenBiker]

would it be feasible to link both an ar/co2 mix bottle and a pure ar bottle to one machine using a y piece after the flow meter off each bottle so both bottles could sit at the back of a welding cart permanently plumbed in and ready for use?

for instance, on a multi process unit with mig and tig function, it would make swapping from mig to tig a bit easier as you would just turn off the ar/co2 mix, open the ar bottle, purge the pipes for a few seconds and then ready to go

just an idea I had earlier whilst thinking about the ifl multi process machine

 

[Spark plug]

Can't see why you couldn't, as long as you don't turn both bottles on at the same time.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Can't see why you couldn't, as long as you don't turn both bottles on at the same time.

I always shut everything off when not in use, turn off bottle reg and flow meter. was watching one of jody's videos making a shop stool and he went from miging the frame and adjustment to tiging the seat and thought that would be a faff if I were to get the ifl and then need to not only change leads over but also change bottles over. this way its just turn one off, then turn the other on after the lead change

 

[Bill Edwards]

I see no reason not to, why wouldn't it work?
Slightly easier than having quick release couplers to swap the hose.

 

[Hitch]

We've got one setup a bit like that, but use proper quick release couplings on the gas hose.
Makes it fairly heavy to pull around though with two full size cylinders on the back.

Use it for swapping between steel and stainless mostly (pulse mag)

 

[backpurge]

Not a problem, if you want to be really flash you could fit non return connections into the hoses to prevent back feeding from one cylinder to another should you forget to turn a cylinder/valve off

 

[Richard.]

Not a problem, if you want to be really flash you could fit non return connections into the hoses to prevent back feeding from one cylinder to another should you forget to turn a cylinder/valve off

The non return valves are a nice idea. I'd do that if I was going ahead with that set up.


Obviously purge the gas though the Lines and unit before swapping processes, last thing you want is a bit of co2 that's sitting in the lines shielding the first inch of a Tig run. Won't do the tungsten any favours. Should be all good though, will be a tidy set up.

 

[roofman]

I have 2 tails of pipe from full size bottles (airline connection) one from the Cougar and one from the oxy. Had a very intresting mig experience yesterday when i connected the oxy to the mig

 

[Richard.]

I have 2 tails of pipe from full size bottles (airline connection) one from the Cougar and one from the oxy. Had a very intresting mig experience yesterday when i connected the oxy to the mig

Oxygen and an arc Perhaps not the best combination.

 

[roofman]

Oxygen and an arc Perhaps not the best combination.

Your right there mate...have now marked the oxy one

 

[Richard.]

Nice one. You got away lucky there. Bet that made you flinch

 

[Mr shiney]

When I was using my thermal arc for MIG and TIG I had two bottles. The TA have a quick connect fitting in the back for gas. I had both cylinders set up with regs and just swapped the hoses over in seconds. Worked realLy well.

You can get the quick connect fittings from other places and could probably use airline fittings.

 

[Bill Edwards]

Oxygen and an arc Perhaps not the best combination.

Your right there mate...have now marked the oxy one

Nice one. You got away lucky there. Bet that made you flinch

If done on purpose to someone it would have been good in the 'workshop pranks' thread...

 

[Richard.]

Hmmmm each to there own.
Replacing the tungsten with a bit of aluminium filler is probably a bit more of a safer prank than hooking up flammable gas to a welder.

 

[normspanners]

http://www.stanners-equipment.co.uk/#!mig-welders/cjbn
have a look at the 3t machine which holds two bottles but is two welders in one !!
but as above i use normal air line pcl QR couplings. no need to mess with valves just unplug ---replug and go.