Argon Flow meter vs. Flow Gauge

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I've been burning thru a 125CF argon tank in 3-4 hours instead of the 8 or so I'd expect out of it. So for grins I bought an HTP flow meter to replace the no-name flow gauge (with two dials on it) that I had. With the old gauge, triggering the torch on I could hear a constant hiss and feel the gas blowing out of the torch. With the flow meter, the flow is much, much less--I can hear it hiss when it 1st starts but then it's silent and almost impossible to feel the gas coming out. It seems to weld OK but I have notice the air-cooled torch gets a lot hotter than before. So maybe the flow meter is working as it should and now I'll get the proper hours use out of a tank.So, being a newb, at 15 CFH flow how loud should the torch be and should I be able to feel the gas coming out? Is there a way to test a flow meter or gage their working OK?
Reply:divide 15 cfm by 60  = .25 cf per min. put a balloon on your torch,place it in a 72 cubic inch container (1/4 CF) roughly 38 oz container should take one min, to fill.  or spend the money and send it to a testing lab for calibration. I think that's right , but don't use my math to build an A bomb ( been watching Manhattan )or go to the moon.gxbxcLast edited by gxbxc; 09-19-2014 at 10:56 PM.
Reply:I use one of these.It goes over the end to check flow.(I check my mig regulator with it too - with wire drive flipped open)Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Well Dave J. Just where did you find that neat little tool, I want to get me one.Measure with a micrometre, mark with chalk,  cut with a torch.Never force anything...just get a bigger hammer.RoyOld Airco buzz box approx 1974Lincoln mig pack 15Lincoln 175 square wave1954 9" south bend lathe
Reply:I've been wanting one of those too. They are really handy if you have a lot of hose between your bottle and torch on mig and tig.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Looks like arc-zone carries a similar unit to the oxweld that I have (ESAB (Oxweld) 19043 flowmeter)the arc-zone one is in lpm, so just double the reading for cfh.(mult by 2.1 technically)Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelI've been wanting one of those too. They are really handy if you have a lot of hose between your bottle and torch on mig and tig.
Reply:Oh really nice I want one ,don't need one, but want one . It sure beats the hell out of my mad sicentist  method
Reply:I also found one here, but know nothing about this place.  http://weldingdirect.com/gasflowchecker.htmlI'll prolly get one if I ever get moved and unpack my "stuff."Tim
Reply:These guys sell the one I have.http://www.netwelding.com/prod02.htmits dead-on with my HTP flow meters.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.