How do you verify gas flow at torch?

[kevin]

Can you hear the gas at the torch when you press the trigger, assuming there is a good flow of gas?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[gavuk]

yes kev ,are u using disposable type reg ?why are u asking ?

 

[kevin]

Yes, using disposable SIP Argon/CO2 cylinder with SIP regulator. I was learning initially on gasless mode, and when I changed over to gas the weld quality was crap, no penetration at all. The adjustment knob on the regulator was very loose so I thought the gas feed could be suspect. Will be collecting a replacement regulator this week and just wondering how the verify that there is a gas flow at the torch end.

 

[shenion]

There are peashooters that you hold over the tip to measure flow.

You should be able to hear it and the reg should be turned all the way up.

You did swap the polarity when changing to gas?

 

[kevin]

Thanks, I try it with regulator fully open. Yes, I did change the polarity as per instructions in user manual. Not much of a user manual though, looks like it was produced by primary school kids!

 

[kevin]

Got replacement regulator and now have proper gas flow, could hear it clearly at the torch end. Got very good welds on 0.6mm sheet steel with minimum burnthrough, so I'm well pleased. Also fitted the bracket on the side of the wire feed mechanism which I saw on the forum here along with a nylon washer to keep the grooved roller in place so wire feed is now spot on.
Now to get some 0.8mm sheet steel to practice in earnest on, and then repair the car!

 

[zardoz]

Glad its ok now. For future reference. No gas or low gas flow would cause a very porous weld and lots of brown deposit around the weld (some brown deposit is often normal)

 

[kevin]

Thanks zardoz, got very little brown deposit when using the welder.