Clarke 151TE Regulator

[andeep]

I've bought a Clarke 151TE and have started to learn how to MIG weld. I'm currently using the Argon/CO2 small hobby bottles that you get from Machine Mart with the mini regulator that is supplied with the welder.

In the manual it reads, "Set the Regulator to 3 or 4 which will provide a gas flow of 2-3 litres per minute. This volume will provide adequate gas for a good weld without porosity under normal condition." When I set the regulator to this, I cannot hear any gas flow and and I get poor welds since there isn't any shielding gas. But if I turn the regulator to its highest flow, I can hear the gas flow and my welds are good.

Is this normal? I don't want to waste gas.

 

[pedrobedro]

My friend had one of those using the small cylinders and we found it was more like a switch than a regulator, all or nothing. He used to turn it off even between tacks as it was very dubious.

 

[Stereophoney]

with my clarke mini regulator i have to max it to get any gas, apparently it's the norm sadly

 

[andeep]

Good to know that I'm not the only one with this problem. Also is the push fitting on the regulator really leaky?

Is it necessary to turn the gas supply off between tacks? I thought that the gas is only emitted when the trigger is pressed.

 

[Robotstar5]

The push fitting should not leak, you will soon lose all your gas!.
The gas is switched on when you pull the trigger, just remember to turn off the reg when finished as some of them do leak