Gas consumption

[Neil Rawlinson]

Hi,I've recently got my new Portamig set up and started practising welding. I am using Hobbyweld 5 gas cylinder (co2/Argon mix). my question is: how long should a cylinder last?.

The regulator is a Westcol single stage with pressure and flow guages as supplied with the Mig by Weldequip.

When I open the flow valve there is the sound of gas escaping from the small screw on the side which looks like a safety valve. The screw is tight and I am hesitant to mess with it. Should this be happening?

I seem to have gone through a whole cylinder of gas in quite a short time whilst practising welds?
I have been shutting the cylinder off each time I finish using the welder but smething doesn't seem right?
Neil

 

[the snooper]

no there should be no gas escaping from anywhere, how much time did you spend welding roughly ? and did you set the flow correctly

 

[Neil Rawlinson]

It's difficult to say, buteo ably, no more than 20 minutes total. What is the correct way to set it up please?

 

[the snooper]

It's difficult to say, buteo ably, no more than 20 minutes total. What is the correct way to set it up please?

hmm new welding term ?

you want the flow set to no more then ten litres per min if you are not in a breeze you will probably get away with a little less and 20 mins isn't good get the regulator replaced before you attempt it again otherwise its an expensive way to practise

 

[malcolm]

Worth giving Weldequip a call if gas is escaping from the reg. He'll likely want to send a replacement.

 

[Neil Rawlinson]

Thanks guys,

I'll give Steve a call.