Using straight helium with existing argon regulator?

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Searched the archives without much success, so hoping I might get some helpful feedback... I have a job coming up that will require some fairly heavy welding on 1/8" to 1/8" #110 copper plate so I picked up a 80cuft bottle of helium. Been doing some research on technique and helium characteristics etc...but can't find definitive answers on regulators. I realize the scales are different and flow rates, weights of gas, but would love to be able to switch out the bottles and just experiment with existing smith argon regulator if possible... Pic below of existing argon setup on Dynasty 200DX. TIA...Last edited by John Madarasz; 01-28-2015 at 07:26 PM.
Reply:I think you will be ok, depending on your welders output. Using 75/25 ar-he I've welded copper half as thick with decent results. I can't recall exact amperage but it didn't take much maybe 75-90A. Stripped some romex for filler and it worked pretty good too. Copper gets really hot and retains heat very very well.  You might want to consider an aluminum backer plate, if you haven't already. Show us some pics it sounds like a interesting project. Good luck!Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Be sure to turn off the cylinder when not in use. He will leak out of most fittings that are gas tight with other gasses. It will be a really slow leak, but it will add up fast if you go away and forget to turn off the cylinder..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWBe sure to turn off the cylinder when not in use. He will leak out of most fittings that are gas tight with other gasses. It will be a really slow leak, but it will add up fast if you go away and forget to turn off the cylinder.