Flow Gauge for Starparts Regulator

[jools9999]

Hi folks – hoping for some advice about a cheapo argon mix regulator.

Been in engineering all my life but never welded, wanted to fix up an old car so I bought an R-Tech 180 MIG set a few years ago which came with a cheapo Starparts regulator (pretty sure it’s the same as R-Tech part No. RT-CR0590-1 on their website). The reg has two 50mm gauges and I mangled the LP one (see pic) which is calibrated in flow units (0 to 40 LPM / 0 - 100 CFH) but is clearly a pressure gauge calibrated for flow. I assume it’s calibrated for the set up I bought and gives a simple, cheap (but not necessarily accurate ?) way of setting flow without having a specific flow measurement device fitted.
I thought I would simply be able to buy a new flow gauge from R-Tech, Starparts or somewhere selling a suitably compatible unit but I can’t find one. I called R-Tech’s tech help line & left my number on their auto answer system but didn’t get a call back (bit disappointing….) so maybe this forum can advise ?

Can anyone tell me where to get a suitable “flow” gauge or why they’re are not available ?

If a gauge calibrated for flow isn’t available I assume I can simply use a pressure gauge and set the flow via the low side pressure ? If I go this way is there some simple rules for what low side pressure to use for a standard MIG set up like mine ?

Or should I really fit a peashooter flow device on the reg outlet (as well as fitting a low side pressure gauge) and adjust the flow via the low side pressure and flowmeter valve ?
I just want to get back to it without too much expense or hassle.

Thanks

Jools

 

[BrokenBiker]

Get a blanking plug for that gauge and an add on flow meter type gauge that will sit where the barb fitting is, then the barb attaches to the flow meter.

The flow meters are more accurate so less wasted gas.

Set the flow meter wide open then use the regulator knob to adjust flow as you normally would, I'm doing the same thing on my mig bottle as the reg isn't even close to accurate

 

[Pete.]

I would go with a pea shooter. You don't even need a gauge just leave the busted one in there or fit a threaded plug. All you would need to do is open the valve on the pea shooter all the way and adjust the pressure for your maximum flow. Then you can use the flow meter valve to regulate the flow as you require.

 

[addjunkie]

20 quid for new on eBay with a built in pea shooter gauge….

 

[jools9999]

Thanks for the helpful responses folks.
I'll fit a pea-shooter to my existing reg.
The cheap one with pea-shooter built in suggested by Addjunkie looks like it doesn't have an HP Gauge which I think is useful to know when you're gonna run out ?
Any recommnedations on range for the peashooter ?
Almost all my welding would be in the garage so from what I've read the common 0-14 LPM ones would mean I'd be at the top of the meter most of the time - so 0-25 LPM would seem sensible ?
ta

 

[BrokenBiker]

Thanks for the helpful responses folks.
I'll fit a pea-shooter to my existing reg.
The cheap one with pea-shooter built in suggested by Addjunkie looks like it doesn't have an HP Gauge which I think is useful to know when you're gonna run out ?
Any recommnedations on range for the peashooter ?
Almost all my welding would be in the garage so from what I've read the common 0-14 LPM ones would mean I'd be at the top of the meter most of the time - so 0-25 LPM would seem sensible ?
ta

The one on my tig bottle has a bottle fill gauge and pea shooter flow meter