flow meter setup

[series2]

I recently had to replace my regulator which was a nice BOC type with the output gauge in LPM, it always read close enough to the pea shooter that I could trust the gauge. The gauge on my new SWP regulator lies its ass off, but using the pea shooter on the MIG is a pain as I have to release the wire feed every time I want to check it. After having a little moan at my gas supplier (where I bought the regulator), the gave me a flow meter.

If I use the flow meter as per the instructions, setting the regulator higher than the required flow and adjusting using the knob on flow meter, there is a surge of gas before the flow settles to the set rate. I guess this is because there is a calibrated orifice/jet in the regulator and also in the flow meter. If I open the flow meter valve fully, and use the regulator to control the flow it works as I expect it should.

Or am I doing something wrong?

 

[pedrobedro]

Do it whichever way works for you. If leaving the flow meter open and regulating with the regulator is more accurate then that's the way to go. Your old regulator was probably a more expensive two stage instead of a cheaper single.

 

[series2]

Ok, That is cool, Thanks! Just checked, yes the old reg is a two stage but it has started leaking and is quite old, the new one is only single stage. I had to have a little sit down when I asked BOC for the price of a replacement!, I guess you get what you pay for!

I do also have a reg that came free with my welder, It works but has a non standard thread on the outlet and only a bottle pressure gauge