Regulator VS. Flowmeter?

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Which do you perfer and why? A regulator or a flow meter? Which is best for tigging using a gas valve on the torch? Im liking the victors. ThanksLast edited by welderShane; 09-28-2008 at 04:59 PM.
Reply:A flowmeter is used when you want to control the flow, usually rated in cfm, cubic feet per minute, usually calibrated at a regulated pressure of 50 psi. A flowmeter is used on tig for example because you need a controlled flow for your shield gas.A torch needs a pressure regulator as you want the pressure to remain the same regardless of flow.One would not replace the other as they all hsve their specific uses....Mike
Reply:Thanks i figured that, but I thought i have seen regulators that are for tig/mig though? But im probably wrong.
Reply:There are two types of 'flow controllers'; those which have the floating ball within a transparent scaled tube,   have a regulator to maintain a set pressure but use a valve to adjust the flow, and those which use a fixed orifice and regulate the pressure to change the flow; these usually have the regulator marked as 'volume' rather than as the pressure it really adjusts. I personally like the first type which can have different scales on that tube,  corresponding to the different gases/mixes, and it's reading volume directly too. The second depends both on having the right orifice for the gas used, and having the pressure set correctly too. I guess both work well; the second type is cheaper.
Reply:Originally Posted by welderShaneThanks i figured that, but I thought i have seen regulators that are for tig/mig though? But im probably wrong.
Reply:Originally Posted by mrmikeyA flowmeter is used when you want to control the flow, usually rated in cfm, cubic feet per minute, usually calibrated at a regulated pressure of 50 psi. A flowmeter is used on tig for example because you need a controlled flow for your shield gas.A torch needs a pressure regulator as you want the pressure to remain the same regardless of flow.One would not replace the other as they all hsve their specific uses....Mike
Reply:It's cubic feet per *HOUR*,