Regulators?

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I bought my mig welder about a year ago and it's been going great. The other day I walked behind it and looked at the back of the regulator and it had "Oxygen Only" written on it.Is this regulator ok to use with the Argoshield gas I'm running through it?? And, do you need different regulators for different gases when using a mig?Thanks.
Reply:Sounds a little funny to me.  Oxygen regulators will not fit on inert gas tanks.  The valves are completely different.
Reply:It fits on OK, I've had it off about 4 times. Maybe I could post a pic of it to see what you guys think??
Reply:Was that lettering on a sticker, or was it embossed into the metal case?What is lettered on the face of the dial?A regulator used for Argon, Helium, Nitrogen, or Argon/CO2 mix typically should have a CGA 580 fitting to interface with the cylinder valve (.825" 14 NGO-RH-INT)An Oxygen regulator typically should have a CGA 540 fitting to interface with the cylinder valve (.965" 14 NGO-RH-EXT).  (dimensions from chart at Airproducts:  http://www.airproducts.com/Products/...pecs/index.asp )If your gauge is indeed "Oxygen Only" and it is connected to an AR or AR/CO2 cylinder then someone has installed an adapter or made an incorrect connection in an improper manner.   Worst-case-scenario you have an Oxygen cylinder connected to your MIG which would be an engraved invitation for disaster.     If you cannot determine the correct application for this regulator I recommend you remove it from service and have it inspected.  Your LWS should be able to advise further.-MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Well, back to the OP, -one- CGA-580 regulator should cover all of the inert gases you would need.  Pure CO2 has a different fitting, but you can get an adaptor.  The only reason for having different regulators for different inert gases, is that the flow-meters are calibrated for gases of a specific density.  Again, not too much of an issue here.  Argon and CO2 are relatively close in density, so you'll be in the ballpark.  Switch to Helium, and a different gauge (or just the scale depending on your unit) might be important, but its nor something YOU would be concerned with (just not that critical for MIG).I wouldn't be too concerned with that marking.Oxygen and inert gas regulators have the same mechanisms (the pressures are the same), but Oxygen regulators may have parts that are more resistant to pure oxygen, and have to leave the factory at a much higher level of cleanliness.It IS safe to change the stem on an Oxygen regulator to be used for inert gases, its just a one-way street.  Same thing goes for tanks.I'm pretty sure that marking was just a goof at the factory, and there is no way that your gas supplier would give you inert gas in a cylinder with a CGA-540 valve.If it was originally an Oxygen regulator, it would have a CGA-540 valve, and would need some sort of adapter to fit your CGA-580 valved inert tanks.  The adapter would be easy to spot.  Send us a picture, to take it to your LWS, when you get a refill. . .Anyway, that would be a VERY strange adapter indeed, switching between completely compatible gas systems.Just remember that this regulator CANNOT be used for Oxygen now, and remove that sticker (or scratch out that marking, etc).
Reply:Thanks for the replies guys, I'll try and get a pic of the regulator tonight.Just a couple of dumb questions as I'm a welding newbie, what's an LWS? Also, I live in Australia, would the valve types, CGA-540/580 etc be different down here or would that be a world wide standard?Thanks.
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Reply:Originally Posted by siringoThanks for the replies guys, I'll try and get a pic of the regulator tonight.Just a couple of dumb questions as I'm a welding newbie, what's an LWS? Also, I live in Australia, would the valve types, CGA-540/580 etc be different down here or would that be a world wide standard?Thanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by siringoThanks for the replies guys, I'll try and get a pic of the regulator tonight.Just a couple of dumb questions as I'm a welding newbie, what's an LWS? Also, I live in Australia, would the valve types, CGA-540/580 etc be different down here or would that be a world wide standard?Thanks.
Reply:Again, thanks for the help guys, much appreciated.Here are 2 pics of the guage..and
Reply:As far as I can tell the as4627 reg is sold in alot of oxy/acet kits.  Could it be possible that they marked oxygen only to avoid confusion with the acet gauge?  And doesn't necessarily indicate incompatibility with argon?http://nationalwelding.com.au/gas_equipment1.htmEdit:  looking a little more closely I realize that AS4267 is just the Australian regulatory approval of the regulator and not necessarily an indicator of the regulator itself.  it does seem strange that it would fit an argon tank though.Last edited by joeboo; 12-03-2008 at 01:17 AM.
Reply:I would not want to use a PRESSURE regulator in a mig welder. It doesn't seem right. obviously it works , but i've never seen it recommended by a manufacturer. I have several different suitable regs, but the koike is the best .  And the easiest to use. . for mig & tig . Argon & c02. Most accurate. NO floating ball . Just calibrated orifices,that do not vary on the volume.[SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:Dug up a little more info and it appears as though in Australia you guys have the same type of connections for Argon and Oxygen with no adapter necessary.  This link looks to be the manufacturer of your particular reg.http://www.thermadyne.com/cigweld/co...55/Itemid,272/And if it is the correct manufacturer, they appear to use the exact same reg for Oxygen and Argon.  Although they may be a different diaphragm, gasket etc.
Reply:That is clearly the wrong device for a MIG welder, that is a O/A regulator, (hence the marking 'cut' between28 and 65psi), not a flowgauge. Without the requisite orifice it is a bit hard to get an accurate flow.