Regulator increasing pressure

[scolliflower]

I think I know the answer, but I have a newer Hobart shielding gas regulator and it allows pressure to increase to the gun the longer it stays idle-does this mean it is shot? Anyone have the warranty info for Hobart regulators?

 

[backpurge]

Could be, do you always turn the regulator off as well as the cylinder when you are not using it

 

[scolliflower]

Yes. But a few times I forgot to unscrew the pressure regulator.

 

[backpurge]

You need to get into the habit of turning your regulator off, ie winding the pressure adjustment screw all the way out, when you turn the cylinder off otherwise the next time you turn your cylinder on the sudden rush of high pressure can puncture the diaphragm in the reg which can cause pressure creep

 

[scolliflower]

I bet that is exactly what I did. Do you think it is even worth trying to file a warranty claim with Hobart? What brand do you use?

 

[BrokenBiker]

regs are fairly cheap, when mine stop working properly i bin them and buy another from eBay, they have only ever broken for me when i have either done what you have done or knocked the bottle over and smashed the gauge

 

[scolliflower]

I replaced my original because it stopped reading accurately...any brand anyone recommends for long life? Is it worth paying top dollar for a Smith?

 

[backpurge]

Don't know about in the States but in the UK regulators are given a 5 year life, how long have you had yours for

 

[scolliflower]

1 mons

 

[gulf]

Avoid the cheap ebay rubbish and a good regulator will last much longer

 

[scolliflower]

Yeah I think I'm going to just bite the bullet and go expensive.

 

[skotl]

You need to get into the habit of turning your regulator off, ie winding the pressure adjustment screw all the way out, when you turn the cylinder off otherwise the next time you turn your cylinder on the sudden rush of high pressure can puncture the diaphragm in the reg which can cause pressure creep

So I should turn the reg all the way open, after closing the supply? I had been leaving mine at the 10lpm setting

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

No. All the way closed. Usually fully anti clockwise. Weight comes off the spring then goes loose when it is fully unwound

 

[skotl]

I'll do that - cheers

 

[Jim Davey]

Get a multi-stage regulator, problem solved.

 

[Jan]

I've always suspected that opening the cylinder valve too quickly would 'shock' the regulators, so I always ease mine open at first. Only when the gauges have stabilised do I then open the valve fully. Since I don't do a lot of welding at the moment with a lot of stop/starts and shutting off the cylinder inbetween I guess I'm prolonging the useful life of my gauges.

 

[Jim Davey]

You are correct, and as others have said releasing the pressure at the end of a shift and fully unwinding the pressure adjusting screw has a very beneficial effect on the lifespan of a reg.

 

[Jan]

Must remember to do that as well. As a Tyke it's not in my nature to throw away anything that just might be of use some time in the future.