Do different gases need different regulators?

admin

Question for the experts here: Do different gas mixes need different regulators? I'm new to welding but have been enjoying it quite a bit. I've been using a little Lincoln Electric ProMIG 140 and have been welding mild steel for a few months now. I'm now eyeing some small projects in stainless and was curious if I could just buy a small tri-mix cylinder( and SS wire of course) and go for it (using the stock argon/CO2 regulator), or if I will also need another regulator for the tri-mix?Thanks!
Reply:It should fit. The only time I've ever heard of needing an adapter is for straight CO2.My "collection":Homemade Stick WelderVictor O/A TorchAC 225Ideal Arc 250HF 90 Amp Flux CoreHF Mig 170Solar 2020 Plasma CutterPower i-Mig 140EHarris O/A torchHF Dual Mig 131140STAlpha Tig 200x
Reply:Hello risingfish, when you consider gases and regulators/flowmeters there is a lot of cross-over and such when use is considered. The specifics of multiple use has to do with the type of regulator/flowmeter and the gauge readings/scale readings. Regulator type gas delivery is often based upon a specific "heaviness" of the gas and is a combination of pressure and delivery orifice size. Changing gases for a regulator designed for a specific gas type will throw the calibration of the system off and give incorrect readings. If it is a flowmeter a similar occurrence will show up and skew the readings. This is why on many flowmeters there will be numerous scales present and they are labelled for a particular gas and the markings are different. So if you aren't too concerned with political correctness you can still produce quality welds but just not quite according to all of the suggested/recommended numbers. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Cool, thank you for the answers. To summarize, I can use the current regulator but I just won't be able to rely on the numbers in the manual, it may take some experimenting and tweaking to find a good setting. The face of the gauge specifically states Ar/CO2 so, I'll eventually have to find a good gauge for tri-mix. Thank you!
Reply:Short answer, YES, you can simply experiment and come up with usable settings. Often times just grab a piece of scrap and start out low with your settings and work your way up until you see desirable/acceptable results. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Cool, thanks!
Reply:If you were using a gas that was pure helium, or mostly helium, you would use a helium regulator. Helium settings are usually about double the CFH of argon, and the helium regulator is marked as such.RichLast edited by steelsurgeon; 09-17-2015 at 04:59 AM.