Gauges

[Mark S]

Hi to all from a newbe.
I have a SM 150 and use it on my Landrovers.
My welds have been (I was going to say ok) but they are not really . I have been setting up by sight and sound. Would a set of gauges be of any benefit to me. Is there a table to show how much gas to use on mild steel of different gauges?

Any advise would be appreciated.
Mark

 

[fingers99]

A decent regulator, big bottles and guages all help. This isn't to say that you can't get perfectly acceptable welds with disposable bottles, but neither the gas delivery or the measurement is optimum. Almost everything in MIG is in the setting up.

I like to use a cylinder pressure guage and a flowmeter for MIG and TIG, others prefer a two guage set up for MIG.

PM Weldequip (for example) for prices, recommendations, etc.

 

[Mark S]

Hi thanks for that,
I use the small bottle not the disposable type. £100 deposit and £25-£30 for a refill.
Cylinder pressure gauge will that show whats left in the bottle?
And the flowmeter to show what is coming out of the bottle?

Mark

 

[fingers99]

That's it.

 

[pedrobedro]

A proper flow meter will give you a better idea of what gas pressure you are actually using, they are not too expensive. I just listen to the nozzle with the wire feed disconnected and a gentle hiss is all you need. It's rough and ready but it works and a co2 bottle lasts ages so it can't be far out.