CO2 regulator

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Hi,New guy here.  Took a semester long welding class a few years back and do hobby welding with a small Century MIG, a Lincoln AC 180S, and a Miller Thunderbolt (crank on top).Up until now I've been using flux core wire on the MIG.  I'm thinking of buying a 20# cylinder for CO2 to try gas shielding and found one locally that I'll pick up this weekend.  My question is where can I find a regulator online at a good price?  Would you recommend any brands specifically?TIA
Reply:you *might* try a local soft drink distributor.  How about at the place you're picking up the cylinder at?Failing that, Local welding shop should have what you need... and if all else fails, Ebay.
Reply:I think a lot of guys are using a standard reg for co2 instead of one designed for co2.  If you do that remember it is possible freeze it up if you pull a lot of gas.  Naturally the colder the temp the easier it is to freeze it up.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:I use a regular old flowmeter, with an adapter for the "soda" bottle.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:A Co2 pressure regulator is just that.  You (we) need a flow gauge and meter.  You should be able to find a decent flow regulator for $50 to $75. DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:David and Tozzi, so a regular argon argon/mix reg works ok for co2?  I do everything with argon or argon/mix, except for using the little co2 bottle in the Passport mig, which has it's own regulator designed into the machine.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I've read that the problem with using a regulator that's designed for argon/co2 mix is that the regulator would freeze during use, and that sometimes this would destroy the regulator.  One suggestion to alleviate this was to attach in some manner a drop or trouble light near the regulator so that the warmth from the bulb would prevent freezing.Anyone done this and does it work?Again, TIA
Reply:you can actualy use you regulator that you would use for mixed gas u just need to but the addapter so it will fit the co2  bottle also how cheap are you looking for give me a price and ill see what i can do
Reply:Originally Posted by efdavilaI've read that the problem with using a regulator that's designed for argon/co2 mix is that the regulator would freeze during use, and that sometimes this would destroy the regulator.  One suggestion to alleviate this was to attach in some manner a drop or trouble light near the regulator so that the warmth from the bulb would prevent freezing.Anyone done this and does it work?Again, TIA
Reply:I've seen em sweat really bad, but almost never freeze.  Last year when I was welding outside and the temp was in the teens, The regulator froze so I just went home.Yes the flow regulator, either ball or dial type for argon or C/25 would be fine.  The CFH won't be exact, but close.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Thanks!  That might save a little money if I decide to keep a CO2 tank on the truck since I have extra argon/mix regs available but nothing specific to CO2.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I keep an argon flow regulator, the dial type and a Co2 adapter on my truck.  No matter what I need, I got it covered.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Cool, David.  I'll pick up an adapter for one of these extra regs if I decide to get the bottle then. -Glen.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Likewise, thank you very much.  I'll pick up an argon/co2 regulator and go from there.