?, one bottle of argon w/regulator/flow meter with two machine

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Just wondering if anyone here has hooked up a mig machine with spool gun and an ac/dc tig machine to one bottle of argon?  The mig machine has an bottle of 75/25 and the tig machine the bottle of argon. When I use the spool gun on the mig machine I disconnect/reconnect the gas lines and it's a pain in the neck.  Just wondering if any of you have had this problem and come up with an easier way of switching the gasses.   I could add another bottle of argon with its own regulator/flow meter but still would have to disconnect the hose from the 75/25 tank and connect the hose from the argon tank to the mig machine.   Bob
Reply:why not get a "Y" connector and some check valves? I haven't done it, but in theory it could work. You hook up your oxygen and acetylene to one torch in a similar manner. I would think you simply turn on the gas you want, leave the other off. so long as you have the check valves there shouldn't be any feedback, etc.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I would use the HTP dual flowmeter regulator on the 100% argon bottle, in conjunction with a "Y" at the MIG machine's gas input.  You can make the "Y" as simple or complex as you want.  Hell you could even use 1/4" ball valves from the hardware store.  Want standard MIG gas?  Shut off the pure argon valve and open the MIG valve.  Want 100% argon gas?  Shut off the MIG valve and open the pure argon valve.  That's what I would do to instantly have pure argon available to to the MIG at anytime, without disturbing the pure argon going to the TIG nor the standard MIG gas going to the MIG. 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:I do this at work, we use argon on the back of the tig machines and 75/25 on the migs unless we run a spool gun. I put a "y" on the argon regulator and switch hoses for input source from the mig to the argon. We can tack or weld with both machines on aluminum that way.Dave the welder thanks you!
Reply:Just get some quick disconnects and be done with it..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:Originally Posted by DSWJust get some quick disconnects and be done with it.
Reply:You can buy a "Y" with two valves.  No need for check valves.  I run two wire feeders (Not at the same time) off of one flow regulator.  DanManipulator Of Metal
Reply:Here is a barbed Y connector if you can't find one locally.  I still suggest using quick disconnect air fittings like DSW said.http://www.amazon.com/Interstate-Pne...4165B57MK1Z5PSGravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Thanks for all of your suggestions guys, went with a Western 411 "y" w/ valves and a dual flowmeter regulator.  I needed another flow meter anyway.   Thanks again.  Best regards,   BOB
Reply:I have a TIG and MIG setup on the same rack.  There are two tanks (Argon & 75/25).  Both have regulators on the tank.  They feed a 4 way ¼ brass fitting.  No check values.  If I need Argon for the MIG I open the regulator on the Argon tank.  When done I close it.  If I need 75/25 for MIG I open the 75/25 regulator.  When done I shut it. For TIG I open the Argon regulator.  I am in Phoenix all week.  I will take a pic when I get home.
Reply:Here is the pic.
Reply:Thanks Judgeless, appreciate your picture and is practical, again thank you.   Best  Bob
Reply:I set up my Argon / C25 dual bottle combo last night but it appeared the pressure from the one bottle was interfering with the other bottles' regulator. The C25 dial was at approx the same flow rate as the Argon dial even when the C25 was shut off. Obviously an inaccurate dial makes adjusting the flow complicated. However, more than the accuracy the greater concern I have is the dials grew cold and started collecting condensation. I tightened the hose clamps but that didn't seem to help. In summary, two questions:1. Is there anything I can/should do about Argon flow affecting the C25 gauge?2. Other than a leak from my connections (which is possible) what could a cold-to-the-touch dial be caused by in this setup? Would the C25 pressure regulator bleed gas if pressurized in reverse?Here's a photo, the t-fitting is off-camera.