Initial Setup - gas flow rate…

[Big_Chris]

First post so Hello all!

About to mig weld for the first time in almost a decade, and bought myself a GYS SmartMig 142.

Setting up ready to start working tomorrow and realised I have no idea what kind of gas flow rate I need.
Am using Argon/CO2 (86/14 mix) from a 1.8L bottle (220 litre gas volume - I have a couple of bottles but can see myself using them fairly quickly), and will be welding 2-3mm mild steel with 0.8mm wire.

Any tips on gas flow rate?
- my reg only reads up to 6 Litres per minute, but looks like it could possibly go up to 7-8 LpM with the needle going beyond the scale (pic attached).

 

[123hotchef]

Hello and welcome. You could also get a pea shooter gauge to set the gas flow

 

[a111r]

Welcome. Good hobby MIG you've got there.

Those toy regs are rubbish. On 0.8 wire, wind it to the max. and just hope for a 8 lpm flow rate.
A 86/14 mix is not ideal for your work.
When soon gone, go for a 10L rent free bottle of 93/5/2 mix.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Not only does that regulator not provide sufficient flow for MIG, it is rated at only 130 BAR. Presumably it is meant for a disposable bottle - certainly not a commercial bottle.

I haven't actually seen one of those - I guess I don't get out much.

Jack

 

[Big_Chris]

Thanks guys, I guess I’ll have a play and see if I can get enough gas through it to be effective

 

[Jack Ryan]

Thanks guys, I guess I’ll have a play and see if I can get enough gas through it to be effective

There is a learning curve for most skills including welding. I think it would be unfortunate to hobble your progress by using that regulator. A new one such as a pea shooter type regulator-flowmeter would give you a much better chance of success.

It would, of course, require a commercial bottle of gas.

Jack

 

[Big_Chris]

Turns out to work well with the flow turned up to the max end of the scale (where 8 L/min would be) with the flow dropping to just above 6L/min when the torch is active.
Neat beads with only very minimal spatter.

I’ll definitely look to upgrade the reg, but will do it when I need more gas as my bottles run low.