some questions on my welder

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Ive got a Hobart 187 with gas and i was wondering what setting the guages should normally be set at, im burning up a tank a weekend and i think im running it too high?Also,Im doing a lot of welding to the sheet metal on cars.  even on the lowest setting im burning through a lot, any suggestions or hints as to what im doing wrong.thanks in advance
Reply:For the gas, 15 CFh is more than enough for me.Can't help on the sheet metal thing, I don't have a 187.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:What size wire are you using._________________Chris
Reply:I use .024" size wire and C25 mix for auto sheet metal.  Doesn't that Hobart machine have a chart on or inside the enclosure outlining the approximate settings for the material?  Something like inside my Beta-Mig 200:Attachment 9702Also, solid wire with shielding gas requires the polarity to be electrode positive.  Did you change it from when you used flux-core, which uses electrode negative?Last edited by 69 chevy; 05-12-2007 at 09:09 AM.WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:Depending on the thickness of the metal and my setting, I vary mine from 8 to 15 cfh. If you're doing sheet metal, set it on about 8 or 10 (welding inside). That's all you need, unless you're welding outside? If outside, 15-18 should be sufficient.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I have it set at what the chart says, running 30 wire.
Reply:Invest ion a flow checker, they are around $10.00 or less so see if your regulator is correct. If it's off what you save in gas will pay for it!Link for one:http://www.welding-direct.com/gasflowchecker.html
Reply:Just some easy math to play with, if you are running up as high as 20 cfh and have and 80 cubic foot tank that should provide at least four hours of actual trigger on time. Four hours of trigger/welding time is a lot for for doing sheet metal piece out. You may have a small leak somewhere. Mentally gauge your trigger time versus your cfh setting and go from there.
Reply:Pardon the newbie question but my guage only reads PSI. How does cfh relate to psi?
Reply:You don't have two dial indicators (guages) off the regulator or one pressure  guage and a flow ball and tube?
Reply:Originally Posted by RaindemPardon the newbie question but my gauge only reads PSI. How does cfh relate to psi?
Reply:I only have one guage on my tank.  Just recently filled it up with 75/25 and haven't used it yet.  When I open the valve all the way the guage reads 1600 psi.So you're saying I need something else to adjust my gas flow correctly?
Reply:Originally Posted by RaindemI only have one guage on my tank.  Just recently filled it up with 75/25 and haven't used it yet.  When I open the valve all the way the guage reads 1600 psi.So you're saying I need something else to adjust my gas flow correctly?
Reply:You need a regulator like this.http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/R14.htmlor this: http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...epot/101A.htmlLast edited by tommyj3; 05-12-2007 at 06:42 PM.Clarke 130EN C25Lincoln 225 AC Stick(1968)Smith O/A RigHF 4X6 Red BandsawBlack & Decker Pro Chopsaw16 Speed Drill PressSpeedglas XL HelmetHarbor Freight Stuff
Reply:No wonder I've been having so much trouble with this.  This is the setup the local welding supply store sold me when I bought my tank.and of course the single guage on this just shows tank pressureThanks for the link Tommy, I'll definately be getting a new guage from there.And my apologies to the OP for the hijack.
Reply:Doesn't the HH187 come with the appropriate Smith flowgauge?You wouldn't need a flow checker.  Just keep turning the flow down until you start to get porosity.  Then, crank it back up just a few CFH's.  It might vary slightly with different cheap gauges, but I run about 12-15 CFH with mine indoors.Sheet metal is easiest with .024" wire and C-25 gas.
Reply:yeah i have the double guage and ive checked all my connections, im not leaking, i was a little high at 17 psi but i thought id get a little more out of the tank then a weekends worth of welding on the derby car.
Reply:You shouldn't be worried if you're getting adequate shielding and your gauge is showing less than 20 CFH (not PSI).I don't think you said, how big is the tank?
Reply:If your running out of gas to fast, you may want to check your solenoid to make sure it's working and not staying open all the time.
Reply:You've got to watch too high a flow as it can cause eddying and draw the atmosphere in like a venturi.