Gas Regulator

[Lavo]

Hey Guys,
I have just replaced the disposable gas bottle with a refillable type. My welder came with a regulator when I got it a few weeks ago however, the regulator has only 1 dial which tells you how much gas is in the bottle but not how much gas is coming down the pipe. When welding, should I fully open the gas valve or is it just trial and error with practice welds before going near my MGB with it. Thanking you in anticipation of a reply. Lavo

 

[grim_d]

You could get yourself a new twin stage regulator.

http://www.weldequip.com/co2-regulator.htm / http://www.weldequip.com/argon-regulator.htm

Or you could get yourself a flow meter.

http://www.weldequip.com/gas-flow-tester.htm / http://www.weldequip.com/flowmeter.htm

You are generally aiming for around 10lpm for panel work.

 

[Paul.]

With a single gauge reg you have 2 options, you could fit a screw on flowmeter to the outlet of the regulator, like this one http://www.weldequip.com/flowmeter.htm the 0-14lpm will model will do you,
or you can buy a peashooter to check the flow at the torch, like this one http://www.weldequip.com/gas-flow-tester.htm,
I use both, if you are new to using refillable cylinders a read through the page on setting up the gas may prove to be useful, http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/wiki/Setting_up_the_gas

 

[Lavo]

Thanks for the replies guys. I didn't even know you could add a flowmeter onto it. I think I'll just get one of those. Thanks again.

 

[weldequip]

Are you sure the Regulator you have is for refillable gas cylinders & not just the disposable canisters? Different connections/cylinder pressures involved + you can't fit a Flowmeter to all refillable cylinder regulators; post a picture if not sure (or machine make & model)

 

[Lavo]

Im have attached 2 photos of my gas guage which is currently attached to the bottle as you can see. the first is of the front of the guage, the second is of the rear of the guagge. There is a male threaded nut attached to an outlet on the rear of the valve as you can see. I was thinking that this is where the flowmeter would connect, would this be correct or is this gage useless for what I need, I would be obliged for any advice. Cheers

 

[weldequip]

You can't fit a Flowmeter to that type of regulator. The part on the back is a pressure relief valve for safety. "Pea Shooter" type gas flow tester for the end of the torch, or a replacement industrial type regulator
ps.fit a hose clip to the gas pipe

 

[Lavo]

That's great, at least I now know I can sort out the gas flow thanks a lot. I forgot about clamping up the gas pipe. Thanks. Lavo