How long does Argon last?

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Hello all -- first post here.  I am learning to TIG aluminum with a new Diversion 165.  I got a 20 cubic foot bottle of Argon and thought it would last a long time for a hobby welder, but after less than a few hours of practice it's empty.  Is that normal?!?  I set it to 12-15 or so on the gauge it comes with.My MIG will last a year or more on a 40 cubic foot tank of gas, so just assumed I'd get months out of a little tank of argon.  Did I get a near-empty tank or is it normal to use it up that fast?
Reply:A 20 cf bottle is way too small.  At 15cfh, you will get a little over an hour of arc time.My name's not Jim....
Reply:that tank is kid sized  you will only get about a hours weld time with a 20cf bottle i would step up to a 80 to 154 cf bottle or biggerLast edited by WeldorWes; 08-22-2013 at 01:11 AM.Miller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:Non linear dynamics. Im thinking because the bigger the tank, the better the economy
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmA 20 cf bottle is way too small.  At 15cfh, you will get a little over an hour of arc time.
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyveror significantly less depending on your post flow time.
Reply:Ok, thanks, at least the gas place didn't rip me off with a near-empty bottle.  My 40 cubic foot tanks for my MIG welder have lasted over a year, and I could swear I've welded 10 times more and they're still going strong.  It that a perception thing or do MIGs use less gas (even though the flow rate seems comparable....)?
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyveror significantly less depending on your post flow time.
Reply:Tig is generally slower than Mig.  Especially for a beginner.  That means less weld for the same amount of gasMy name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmTig is generally slower than Mig.  Especially for a beginner.  That means less weld for the same amount of gas
Reply:Cheapest way to buy argon is usually in the biggest bottle they lease. 330 or 300 CF (Airgas) is the way to go if you want to save $, especially since the annual lease on a big bottle is not much more expensive (if at all) than a smaller bottle.
Reply:Hi tom86951Argon in a tank is a gas and it last at the rate you use it in cfh (cubic feet per hour).   when it gone it's gone.     Carbon dioxide is a liquid in the tank and it changes (vaporizes) to a gas as you use it until all the liquid is gone.   Thus a smallish tank of carbon dioxide lasts much longer.
Reply:Not possible to tig weld with CO2 - You have to use argon or an argon helium mix.John
Reply:Originally Posted by tmindHi tom86951Argon in a tank is a gas and it last at the rate you use it in cfh (cubic feet per hour).   when it gone it's gone.     Carbon dioxide is a liquid in the tank and it changes (vaporizes) to a gas as you use it until all the liquid is gone.   Thus a smallish tank of carbon dioxide lasts much longer.
Reply:Originally Posted by tmindHi tom86951Argon in a tank is a gas and it last at the rate you use it in cfh (cubic feet per hour).   when it gone it's gone.     Carbon dioxide is a liquid in the tank and it changes (vaporizes) to a gas as you use it until all the liquid is gone.   Thus a smallish tank of carbon dioxide lasts much longer.
Reply:How long does it last???  Well, if you freeze it, it won't spoil for about a year.   If you just keep it in the fridge, it'll last for about 3 months.  Old rotten argon starts to really stink if its kept in the warm weather.  "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:Hey Tom.  I'm in the same situation.  Cheaped out with the small tank when I bought my diversion 180 and I have already filled it 3-4 times with barely any use.  I am definitely upping to a large tank ASAP!  Lesson learned.  To me, the lack of pre/post flow settings on the diversions sucks but it is meant to be plug n play as you know.