Purging Argon line when done welding

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I was told that I need to purge the argon/co2 line when I am done welding.The line I am talking about is the hose that goes in between the regulator and the welder itself.Why do we need to purge this air line?  I thought Argon and CO2 are inert gases?-- This space for rent.  Inquire within.
Reply:I personally am opposed to storing my equipment with pressure on a line or diaphram so I turn off the gas and pull the trigger one more time to relieve any pressure in my machine prior to shut down for more than a day.  But that is just me, so you may or may not do that as you see fit.  I have never had or heard of a failure from leaving it, but the old guy I learned from did it that way and now so do I.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:As said it helps to cut down on wear and tear on reg and solenoid parts by reducing the pressure they are under when not in use. Also if you get in the habit of purging the lines you know the cylinder valve is OFF. It doesn't take a very big leak in the system to drain a cylinder if you leave it on by accident and don't use the machine for a week. With the gauge reading zero, you know the cyl is off at a glance at a later time, say the next day.That said I don't purge EVERY time, usually only when done for the day. I'll also leave the line charged the 1st time I use that cyl when I get a fresh one. That way I know if the pressure stays good for say a day, I've got a good seal on the cyl and no leaks. After that I'll purge to zero the gauge so I know at a glance the systems off. I make it a habit to look at the gauge if I'm near the machines just to be sure. I've had to start off running for a full cyl too many times because someone left the cyl on..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I don't purge inert shielding gas lines but I do purge oxygen, acetylene and propane torch lines, due to the flamability of those gasses.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I never purge a argon line..That's just a waste..Oxy Acc or Oxy Propane yes..As stated that is flammable....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:What they said but,CO2 is an active gas SQUARE WAVE 175 TIG   DUAL MIG 151
Reply:I heard someone say (a long time ago to me) that the CO2 and Argon will eat away at the rubber lines.  I am thinking that is impossible, since it is an inert gas.I was planning on shutting off the tank valve, but not purging the line because:My hobart requires the welder to be on to purge the line, and I lose some of my welding wire in the process.  I do purge the line with the lowest feed setting to reduce waste, but still.... it is waste!-- This space for rent.  Inquire within.
Reply:We never purge/dump our (many) argon and mixed gas lines where I work, and based on years of (due to hard use by students) cutting them down (and cutting them up prior to disposal I have no worries on gas causing internal deterioration.
Reply:Thank you all for your responses!-- This space for rent.  Inquire within.