Welding safety question

[sdyck]

I haven't done much welding over the last year, but have a project I want to work on.

I turned on my welder last night, opened the gas valve and then shut it off before I used it. I noticed at that point the regulator gauge showing bottle pressure still showed high pressure even with the valve closed. I don't see a way to purge the gas on the main bottle valve. Is that normal?

Thanks

 

[Archie]

That's normal. You should be able to purge the pipes by pulling the trigger once you've shut the valve off. Depending on the welder it will probably need the welder on. You might want to back of the wire tension to avoid wasting it!

 

[sdyck]

Thanks, that works for my CFM gauge that I can adjust, but not the main pressure gauge. I understand that when I close the main valve on the bottle there's no reason for the gauge to fall unless I can purge it some how?

 

[Archie]

Hmm. Not sure what to say. Both mine definitely fall when I hit the purge button. If you think about it the main pressure gauge is still located after the shutoff valve so purging the pipes should cause it to drop. Either there are different designs to the workings or, more likely I suspect, yours has got a bit sticky. Have you noticed it changing at all since you fitted the gas tank (apart from going upwards obviously )?

 

[sdyck]

My memory isn't that good, that's why I'm worried. I'll try again tonight and tap the gauge. I'm sure the valvue on the bottle is working, I'll try closing it and leaving the flow valve open to see if its putting out anything.

 

[Paul.]

Dont worry about it, if the system holds pressure with the cylinder valve turned off, it means you dont have any leaks,

 

[Country Joe]

My memory isn't that good

I know just what you mean! Mine can be a bit err, you know - bad!
CJ

 

[Luke]

Both gauges on my regulator fall to zero once the cylinder is turned off and i've emptied the pipe by opening the solenoid.