gas flow regulators ? / tube or dial

**p.dow** · 08-12-2003, 06:45 PM

i am wondering what the best choice is for a TIG gas regulator.
tube or dial guage?

will either type be calibrated so more than one gas (mix) can be used with the same dial or guage ?

are both types equally accurate ?

thanks

paul
(first timer getting ready to make the purchase plunge)

**Roger** · 08-12-2003, 10:58 PM

Dial gage type flow rate indicator will work regardless of orientation and often indicate flow rate for both argon and CO2 gases on one gage. 100% argon and 75% argon with 25% CO2 use the same argon scale as close enough. Each gage is labeled what size down stream orifice it is calibrated for. The orifice is built into the outlet fitting. The gage reacts to pressure changes but indicates flow rate. When down stream solenoid valve closes stoping flow the flow gage still indicates flow. If there is as little as 5 PSI back pressure down stream the flow indication is to far out to be useful. Gage indicator should move smoothly when adjusting flow rate as sticky ponter indicates bad gage. Flow rate is changed by adjusting regulator pressure but regulated pressure isn't indicated. If gage is bad you might not have any indication.

Tube flow meters used for welding have to be vertical to accurately indicate flow rate. They can be calibrated for 2 or 3 different gasses or gas mixes. With some models it is possable to tee in 2nd or 3rd flow tube each with own outlet valve/fitting. Flow rate is adjusted with outlet needle valve. Regulated pressure supplied to flow meter is fixed at pressure required by the flow meter. Different brands and models flow meters could require different supply pressure. They cost more sometimes a lot more.

**brianw** · 08-13-2003, 05:27 AM

CK ( a tig torch manufacturer) recommends only flowmeters, they state in thier catalog that the higher pressure from a flowgauge can cause the torch gas line to fail prematurely. Flowmeters also tend to be more accurate, flow is more critical in tig than mig.

What machines are you considering Paul?

Best of luck, BW

**p.dow** · 08-13-2003, 06:52 AM

ok - thanks guys for the info.

ive been looken at the dynasty 200 dx
hopeing to buy before years end.
i am hobby guy learnin how to stick at the local night school right now.
the D 200 dx is rated 200 amps but the contractors acc. pkg. that is recommended comes with a 150 amp diamond back (DB) torch (?) and the flow reg. is a dial guage regulator (any position , more stout...)
another option is the tig torch kit. the 200amp DB torch comes with a flow meter set up (must be vertically aligned, be maybe more accurate)
maybe i really dont need a 200 amp torch. i assume it is bigger in the collet area. could i use the 150 torch for short periods that are greater than 150 ? (air cooled)
anyway i am leaning to the contractors pkg with the 150 torch and the dial guage.... i am wondering though exactly what mixes that guage will flow ?
nothing is perfect ,each option has + -
still considering....
thanks
paul

**atucker** · 08-13-2003, 01:28 PM

p.dow,

Check with one of your local Miller suppliers. When I tried to get a price from mine, he didn't know what the Contractor Kit was. He finally called Miller and got all the info - bottom line, he could supply all the stuff (or better) in the kit at a considerably lower price. I haven't ordered mine yet, I'm still waiting for the tooth fairy

.

Allen T.

**p.dow** · 08-13-2003, 01:44 PM

ran into similar problem at two local supplys. did eventually get prices. contractor kit is listed in 2003 catalog but its contents arenot.
i found out exact contents on cyberweld. a good vendor site.
emailed miller and they send me a big pic of the contractor kit and list of contents. that was helpful.
maybe buying each item separate might save $. package/kit are convienent though. we'll see.
later for now
paul

**echo8287** · 08-13-2003, 02:13 PM

I just bought a Dynasty 200dx and the contractors kit. After they gave me a discount off of it I thought it was a pretty good deal. Came with either foot control or hand control ,torch hoses, regulator,extra parts,and a case for all of it. I didn't check the prices separate. I think the price was just over $400.00. Hope this helps. David

**p.dow** · 08-13-2003, 09:25 PM

dave - congrats on your purchase.
can i ask if you bought over the internet or from your local supplyer?
my priceing indicates the finger control contractor kit is in the
480 range and the foot is in the 535 area.
i would really like to here how you are doing with your dx. - when you can.
i hear it practically welds itself.

paul