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  1. #1
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    Default Cigweld 200 Flow Regulator

    I bought a Cigweld 200 a few months ago and have not used it yet.
    I have never MIG welded before although I've done all the basic stuff..( arc, brazing, silver soldering, oxy.....)

    The Regulator that came with the machine looks in VG condition. Machine was made in approx 2004 and owned by a welder.

    I see the trend may be to use a Rotameter Flow Indicator instead of a gauge to measure the shielding gas?

    Is that the go these days? I'd assume a Rotameter would be alot more accurate that a bourdon tube gauge. ( gauges are designed to measure PRESSURE not Flow)

    Happy to buy new kit if it means better welds and more accurate gas measurement. Your thoughts?

    Steve


    https://photos.app.goo.gl/zmuwbCUi3aXR9mqPA

  2. #2
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    Default

    They are 2 different designs entirely, but similar outcome.
    Most you'll find these days are the regulator/flowmeter devices- by the sounds what was supplied with the machine.
    The bubble type flow meters will run off a fixed pressure regulator, and the ball device and small pin valve on it acts to restrict flow at the set pressure.

    Harris explain it quite well:
    https://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/...-gas-flow.aspx

    In my experience, get a half decent reg, and get a half decent 'pea shooter' flow meter for use on the end of the torch to check actual flow where it matters.
    Probably also worth mentioning that while a reg might look OK, their service life is not indefinite. Check for gas leaks with a suitable leak detecting fluid. Lifespan is Particularly limited for the quality of regulator which you'll find boxed up with a welder- with yours now possibly 16 years old. In 2 years you'd be able to buy it a beer, if it ain't already sneaking out at night to grab a few of its own!

  3. #3
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    Default

    Thanks Commander. Harris does explain it well.

  4. #4
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    Default

    The best advice that I could give you regarding regulators/flow meters is don't drop them, check for leaks when you swap cylinders, replace O rings on fittings as required and disregard the recommended flow rates as published by gas retailers - they are in the business of selling gas, not conserving your money.
    In a workshop with little to no air movement you can happily run 8-10 LPM mig welding with short arc (dip) transfer on steel. Crank the welder up to spray transfer and you will most likely want 15LPM+ of shielding gas. If Aluminium is your pleasure, than 20LPM of straight Argon will be your choice.
    As Commander Keen mentioned, the test flow meter that fits on the nozzle/gas shroud is a great investment as it measures flow at the business end of things.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Karl Robbers View Post
    As Commander Keen mentioned, the test flow meter that fits on the nozzle/gas shroud is a great investment as it measures flow at the business end of things.
    Sorry guys, I missed that. A flow indicator on the gun iteself?
    Can you show me a pic please?

  6. #6
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  7. #7
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    Default

    That's the one! But in proper units - L/min


    Quote Originally Posted by Karl Robbers View Post
    The best advice that I could give you regarding regulators/flow meters is don't drop them, check for leaks when you swap cylinders, replace O rings on fittings as required and disregard the recommended flow rates as published by gas retailers - they are in the business of selling gas, not conserving your money.
    In a workshop with little to no air movement you can happily run 8-10 LPM mig welding with short arc (dip) transfer on steel. Crank the welder up to spray transfer and you will most likely want 15LPM+ of shielding gas. If Aluminium is your pleasure, than 20LPM of straight Argon will be your choice.
    As Commander Keen mentioned, the test flow meter that fits on the nozzle/gas shroud is a great investment as it measures flow at the business end of things.
    You can't just think of gas flow rate as a static number though.
    Like you mentioned, there is times when 15L/min is definitely required.
    There are times when too high a flow rate will suck air back into the gas column and give porosity.
    There are times when you can be frugal and bump it right down low.

    Then there is pre and post flow concerns - particularly in TIG where you want to protect that weld pool until it freezes solid, and provide an inert shield to the slowly cooling tungsten to prevent it oxidising or splitting.

    Heck... if you have pockets deep enough to run a >75% helium mix for an alloy job, you need to correct gas flow by a factor of 2!

    Gas companies sell gas, true, but most of the time shielding gas composition is stipulated by the wire manufacturers (eg 81Ni needs 75/25 Ar/CO2 mix, 5356 needs Ar or He, 70S-6 works best with a tri-mix). Flow rates are also suggested by torch and machine manufacturers, and this is tied to things like the aluminia cup / or mig nozzle diameter.
    In reality the bloke at the trade desk has no idea about your particular working environment, the job you are doing, and short of confusing the user/operator with 20-questions, 15lpm is probably a safe bet.

  8. #8
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    Default

    Thanks Guys.
    That makes sense now. One does a 'spot check' with the flow meter on the gun tip.
    I assume the wire feed is disabled when doing so. ( MIG)

    I will get me one o' them.

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