Argon less than a 1/4 full, how will it run out?

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This is my first tank of argon.  Its an 80cf tank.  When I got it a few weeks ago the pressure read 2100 psi.  Now its down to about 400psi.  When the gas finally runs out can I expect it to be all at once?  At 0 psi?  Or will I have any indication during welding that I'm about to run out?  I run 15 cfh.
Reply:The indication that you are running low is lack of shielding on the weld I usually swap cylinders around 200-300psi so I don't have to grind out any porosity when its finally empty.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Yep, Squirmy has it right.  I've never noticed much of a 'gray' zone.  Either your gas is right, or it isn't.  Some gauges are more 'right' than others, though.  For example, I still have around 30 minutes' worth of normal torch use after my high pressure oxygen gauge pegs at zero.  Then a very short time of adjusting valves at the torch to milk the last little bit of burn time out.  Over a lifetime, I'd go through a lot of extra tanks if I changed them by the gauge.  (Helps if you have a spare tank around, though...    )
Reply:Squirmy and tbone are right. Basically, if you are running 20 psi, when the bottle gets to 20 psi your nozzle flow drops quickly.I too get my bottles filled when they get down to 300 psi or so.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I'm cheap, I run everything till it's empty or dang close. 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:I seem to run my A/O set-up a while after my gauges read 0.Funny.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Sometimes when Tig welding aluminum when the argon gets low it will have an affect on the weld. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveI'm cheap, I run everything till it's empty or dang close.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPSometimes when Tig welding aluminum when the argon gets low it will have an affect on the weld.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelI'm not cheap but I am reasonable... and excellent. LOL
Reply:Originally Posted by minnesotadavehere's one of my favorites
Reply:keep in mind that if you look closely, a lot of pressure gauges don't even read zero when the needle stops on the pin.  They usually stop reading at  ~100psi (this is right around where the needle hits the stop-pin.  Once the needle pegs on the pin, you have about 10% or so left if your gauge is anything like mine.  After this, it's a toss-up because not all gauges are 100% accurate. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Being a hobbyist I can't track time on my c-25 tank, but it keeps shielding long after the hi side gauge hits zero. I just keep using it 'til I see the low side drop quite a bit when I hit the trigger. I'm like Dave and like to get my money's worth!!  Being retired if I run out on Sat or Sun, the project will still be there Mon AM.                                                           MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Thanks this is good to know.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  I guess I probably have 20- 30 minutes of welding left on this tank.
Reply:Switching a bottle before it runs out is stupid unless you absolutely cannot risk porosity. Notice it's getting low and watch for the flow meter to start to drop out, change the bottle when the ball starts falling. The high pressure gauge usually zero's before this happens. You can also tell by when the sound of the argon rushing out gets quieter. It's really not that hard...Last edited by MikeGyver; 04-07-2014 at 01:19 AM.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com