About this flowgauge - can I use it?

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I've got this US General #47259 Argon/CO2 gauge that I got in an auction a couple of years ago. (Part of a larger score). I now have a new Tig TA 185 and I'm wondering if I can use the for 100% argon?thanksRobTA 185Lincoln 180cEconoPak 50 PlasmaSouthBend Heavy 10Clausing 8250 MillSouthBend Shaper 7Chevalier Surface GrinderPowermatic 15" vari speed Drill Press
Reply:i'd say sure. same basic reg and gauges that come on all new welders. be sure to test it for leaks.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Yep.  No problem.  It'll work on C25, Argon, or just about anything you will use for a shielding gas. Originally Posted by SundownIIIDon't get me wrong.  They are just as ill informed about politics as they are about welding, they just post more on that subject.
Reply:Just remember the lower pressure gauge has 2 different readings...One in black...One in red....You have to know what side to use with what gas..Looking again I THINK the red scale is for the CO2 and the black is for argon......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:Originally Posted by zapsterJust remember the lower pressure gauge has 2 different readings...One in black...One in red....You have to know what side to use with what gas..Looking again I THINK the red scale is for the CO2 and the black is for argon......zap!
Reply:It still wont be as accurate as a flow meter. Because if something somewhere in your line or torch gets plugged up  it will still read the same amount on the low pressure gauge.  with a flow meter you are reading the amount that's flowing through the system. With a flow meter to work at all the system has to be open .  Mac
Reply:Hello rmuell01, that gauge will provide a flow of argon that could be used for your purpose. You will, however, need to disregard the numbers on the gauge indicating rate of flow. The gauge assembly that you have is calibrated for the density of an Argon/CO2 gas mixture and utilizes a particular diameter insert in it's design to control the amount of flow. Since straight Argon has a different density than the Argon/CO2 mixture it won't be accurate. It will control flow rate and you will simply need to experiment with it a bit to insure that you have enough to prevent weld pool contamination or improper shielding for the tungsten. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by rmuell01Red and Black. On the gauge, which may not be clear in the photo, the left gauge says LPM/red and CFH/black. the right gauge says PSI/red and KPa/black. So I'm thinking that the amount of gas left in the cylinder is the gauge on the right and the amount of argon I'm using is the gauge on the left.
Reply:Good lawd-Too much thinking going on It will work just fine- connect it and set the CFH or L/mn, either one- WELDEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerIt still wont be as accurate as a flow meter. Because if something somewhere in your line or torch gets plugged up  it will still read the same amount on the low pressure gauge.  with a flow meter you are reading the amount that's flowing through the system. With a flow meter to work at all the system has to be open .  Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinI'm pretty sure it IS a flowmeter...no?
Reply:They will both work just fine.  The gauge type has a fixed orifice downstream of a regulator, and they just did a bit of math and marked the gauge to read in flow units instead of psi.  Pretty easy, more pressure means more gas thru the orifice.FWIW, 100% argon and 75/25 are almos identical in molecular weight/densityArgon = 40CO2 = 4475/25 = 41This difference will never show on THAT reg/gauge setup
Reply:I have a couple of smiths just like it. They are not as accurate as the ball type but it will work. Also said, they are calibrated by the orfice. Some internal some external by the barb fitting. You will have to play with it a bit to get your flow right. You have to do that anyway to see how much gas you actually need without wasting gas.