MIG with PSI regulator

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Is it possible to use a regulator that operates by psi with mig welding? I had read some things mentioning that if you use a fixed size outlet you can calculate the flow rate for a given psi but I couldn't really find specifics. Has anyone done this before?Thanks,Nick
Reply:That style is typically supplied with MIG welders from the factory.
Reply:Smith Equipment has those, and they're called fixed flow surge protectors. I believe you need to run 30psi, and it has a set flow."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:You could add a floating ball flow meter to the output of the regulator if you wanted to be exact.
Reply:My Lincoln SP-200 has a guage instead of a ball type flowmeter, but it shows CFH, not PSI.
Reply:Most regulators in the cheaper range are pressure regulators.There is a set orfice in the regulator, and the changes in psi over the orfice equate to flow numbers. You can tell these style regulators because when the gas flow is first started there is a big rush of gas then it settles into its flow.  There is a pressure drop over the orfice, inducing the flow rate.  When you stop the pressure catches up and fills the tig hoses with the higher regulator set pressure, not the flowing reduced pressure, The gauge you read is just a psi guage remarked. Even cheap ball flowmeters work this way.Syncrowave 350Coolmate 3Millermatic 251Spoolmatic 30A
Reply:I wouldn't call this one a "cheap" guage.http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/SMI...4&ci_sku=5EFY2
Reply:http://www.welders-direct.com/mm5/me...de=31-50-580-6 , its far from an expensive flowmeter. Grainger is a rip off.Syncrowave 350Coolmate 3Millermatic 251Spoolmatic 30A
Reply:Pretty much any pressure/flow control device will have some surge.  IT depends on how much hose you have between the regulator and the gas solenoidExperience is something you get right after you need it
Reply:I use a pressure gauge for mig welding. I have a passport I do most of my mild steel welding with (unless it requires tig) so it's pretty much my go-to. I run a small 20lb co2 tank (for kegorators or soda fountains) and until recently, used a modified oxygen regulator for it. Put a 1/4 quick disconnect (air compressor style) and used it for everything. From the passport for mig welding, to airing up tires / running an impact. I recently upgraded to the PowerTank xp 400-series regulator (45cfm output / 400psi max output) so I could also use it on Nitrogen for charging air shocks / topping up nitrogen filled tires with a small adaptor. I used to set it at around 20psi on the old o2 regulator, but with the flow the new regulator can do, I set it to 10-12psi now. When I compare it to the onboard regulator on the passport, the sound from the gun is exactly (and that's how I set it with both regulators). Not very scientific but if I'm migging something, it's most likely just sheet metal work.Miller: 200dx, Bobcat 225, Passport, Powermax 45, Milwaukee: Dry Saw, MagDrill, grinders