Flow Meters and Regulators: Good vs. Bad | TIG Time

[@obfuscated3090]

When I ran a welding school toolroom we found out why two flowmeters with a tee is better than a dual output setup. If one side develops a problem you get to send the whole thing in for repair! I switched to CGA-580 tee fittings and separate flowmeters which saved us quite a bit of money and inconvenience over time. Western part # for the tees is WEST-92. Happy welding!

[@pancake_crab4457]

I just got the metric regulator and almost felt worried for a second. Luckily, Mr. Tig's only real issue with it is that it's metric. I guess he doesn't realize how many prospective welders there are that might watch this and are in metric countries. Or that for a new welder just starting you're already learning from the beginning so you can pick whatever units you want to use. Also, the hose adapter can be removed and changed with two wrenches and some care. So if you are ok with using metric units and can get the regulator and hose with adapter for a good price it is worth it.

[@nightdan7096]

So what regulator did you get? What's the model #?

[@chriswhitham9233]

The first regulator Is completely fine as you can add a flow meter to it inline or you can place a flowmeter on the torch and check the pressure that way we work in LPM , If you use a manifold system you can buy a second single flowmeter All gas pipes fit the same and If you put them on right they don't leak you only use a twin or a second bottle/reg setup if you are welding in an argon-filled chamber but the average person will not be welding that unless they work for aerospace companies

[@scottcarr3264]

Hi Mr Tig, Scott here from Australia. You mentioned the regulators that come with imported machines. I had an interesting one, It was very much like the chrome one you showed there. In Australia we went metric some years ago so yes it was in Litres/ min, So that wasn't a problem, It had a barb fitting on it for the hose but it was smaller than the hose they sent with it, that made it hard to fit up. Then when i used it there seemed to be a lot of pressure in the hose and even at 7 Litres per minute it was chewing up my argon, It's one with a fixed regulator( just an acorn nut over an adjusting screw to set the diaphram) which was set by the factory. I found on line that the output PRESSURE should be about 20 Lb/sq.in.when i set a guage into the oulet hose i found it had been set at 75 Lb/sq.in.No wonder i was chewing gas. So i recalibrated it to 20 Lb/sq.in and it was a lot better. I now have a better setup with a different regulator with the flow guage AND output pressure guage. this is way better and i can see exactly what is going on all the time.

[@Oldtech51]

I just bought an Everlast 251 si and it came with a flow meter regulator. I have always used a regulator with the two gages. With two gage type when you start to weld the gas starts at the set CFH. The new flow type regulator gives a massive blast of gas to start then settles down to the et CFH. Is this bad or good.? The only way I have found to counter act this is to put in a 1.5 sec. pre- flow. Seems like a waste of gas.

[@jonludwig8233]

I have the same problem, did you end up dealing with it?

[@thatlittleworkshop]

I had to chuckle at this video because although I was born and raised in Canada (and have to tolerate the metric system) I still prefer my measurements in standard (inches, feet & miles). Being a machinist and welder I do have to deal with metric measurement sometimes but I tend to convert them to what make more sense to me. Just my 2 cents worth on the subject :) Great videos, keep them coming. Thanks, Ian Little

[@woodterm]

The imperial system is like the Roman numerals

[@folgoris]

To prefer the imperial system after having had the opportunity to use the metric one means that you just can't move from your comfort zone.

[@jpcallan97225]

Another informative video. At 3:25 into the video I think you misspoke, describing the inert gas delivery hose as a "high pressure hose" when in fact it is a low pressure (under 200 PSI) hose with CGA -032 B-size male fittings (5/8"-18 TPI, RH). on the ends. It's worth mentioning to viewers that most inert gas regulators offered for sale in the USA are supplied with CGA -032 B-size female fittings, and this is the size of the female gas port, both inlet and outlet, on TIG power supplies. I personally use a double-headed flow meter (mine is a Victor) with argon to supply the torch and the 2nd flow meter head to continuously back-purge the reverse side of welds on stainless restaurant equipment and fixtures for small jobs. For big jobs, I use a 2nd single headed flow meter and a big cylinder of nitrogen for back purging to save money on argon.

[@jet6374]

POOR explanation of the difference between regulators and flow meters. or better said NONE at all.

[@enigma9789]

ThIs oNe iS hEaVy-iTs gOoD

[@keithnoneya]

Thanks for the post, I dealing with this very issue as I set up my first welder. Best Wishes n Blessings Keith

[@maigurens]

That's the same reason why I'm here... gas tank flows but beyond that it's the end of that

[@numair23]

I have all these regulators and I have to agree the little $69 one is a workhorse. Ive used them everywhere you can imagine and I have a few. I prefer them in application because the tank pressure is more accurate. Downsides: gauge breaks easily and is down for repair often. I have two of those, two or three of the industrials. He doesn’t tell you those “industrial “ units take 10 minutes to show reasonably accurate tank pressure. Say you want to check pressure in a tank. Its already a 15 minute affair.

[@johnholmes4960]

I wanted to set up a regulator and flow meter for an airbrush class for five students. Since I will be using compressed air, and the flow meter may have CO2 or Argon, where would I read on the register the top of the ball?

[@ironwrx]

So, I am a newbie to tig welding, and also to flow meters. I’ve been welding and using oxy-acetylene for years, but new to flow meters. I got an old oxweld regulator-flowmeter and had it repaired through my local Airgas store. When you use a oxygen or acetylene regulator, at the end of the day you’re supposed to shut off the tank valve and bleed off the gas in the regulator. Now, the flow meter is entirely different. Can you tell me the proper procedure for setup and end-of-day treatment for such a thing? - Jon

[@marzsit9833]

with oxyacetylene you bleed off the pressure for safety reasons. shield gas is not flammable and is not an oxidizer so you don't need to bleed off the pressure, just close the cylinder valve.

[@osulxa]

I personally don't like glass tube flow meters. I prefer the dial. I find dials are easier to read.

[@stevepeat1719]

Couldn't agree more. Bought a welder (probably not available in the USA) which had an output gauge "calibrated" in cfh/litres (note cfh/2 is litres per minute-wheres the problem?) but gas consumption seemed very high. Bought a flowmeter and when using a gas lens set-up found that running at 5l/min the o/p gauge hardly registered!

[@edwardcruz5187]

Mr T, hey i just bought a percision tig 275 , I'm requesting some videos regarding this machine including the input wiring and bus strap (low med high) type settings with an ocasional demo on some thicker sections of aluminum.

[@amgari007]

Thank you for the video. I have an argon/co2 regulator .Can I use it with Nitrogen since fits to tank if I change the left low gauge to 100-600 psi one? Thanks.

[@donaldfuller6617]

Great!!! I wanted to ask you about this subject. The Chinese tig I bought off ebay came with a terrible regulator. The next thing I need to urchase is a better torch other than that I like how the welders works.

[@ritchie709]

Question: I just got the PrimeWeld 225 Welder my flow meter is like the one you recommended, at rest the little ball does not settle all the way back down making me think this is leaking while not welding is this correct? Thanks

[@pickford7812]

Turn the gas off without releasing it. If the gauges move down, it's leaking

[@tamapisisamipeau6343]

Mr.Tig Thank you

[@bryansliwa2393]

Do enjoy your videos, though you need to realise that its only USA that is behind the times and still using cfh....cubic feet per hour.....really, litres per minute is a fair more accurate reading then per hour. Please realise that the world can view this and that litres is more widely used in the 21st century

[@obfuscated3090]

Shielding gas flow measurements aren't critical either way. Set your machine on scrap before welding and note performance with whatever flowmeter you use. All the shitflinging in this thread is hilarious. Any real welder could use a flowmeter with any markings (or none) easily enough. If the weld is good the setup was correct.

[@williamanderson4395]

The world will most likely be grunting along with cedar buckets in the 22nd century!

[@catherineharris4746]

NOT😷

[@JuniorNL89]

Very nice video for " shop Welders" these regulators wont work out in the field js

[@AldoSchmedack]

Which brand is better for a dual flowmeter regulator, Harris Calorific or Victor? Price seems to be about the same roughly. I'm looking at getting one or the other and might as well pay the difference and get the better one of the two, but I don't know how they compare. I'm welding 304 Stainless 2" x 3" 11ga rectangular tubing with a Miller 210 DX CPS Inverter TIG. Got a suggestion Mr. Tig? Thanks! Paul in Iowa

[@obfuscated3090]

Both are good, but I suggest a tee and two singles instead of a dual. If one side of a dual gets damaged you have to send the whole unit in for overhaul unless you do them yourself which isn't hard.

[@MrTarkus007]

HI MR. TIG im a beginner welder & i just left my gas bottle opened for at least a week does that mean i should refill my bottle ? but when i open my gas bottle i hear a loud hiss sound like there is still gas in the bottle what do you think i should do???

[@mr.heineken5770]

+nick diaz Use common sense....

[@MrTarkus007]

thanks for the great help really solved my problem

[@rickylee2477]

@@MrTarkus007use you gas until you intimate an arc and do not get proper gas coverage. (Soot or smoke) if you wanna squeeze every last cent out of your gas. Its simple math

[@JYCCostello]

Thanks for this video - informative! Given your expertise, I am wondering if you can tell me if gas specific flow meters are compatible with other gases. I was told, for instance, that an oxygen flow meter can be used with nitrogen given that they have a similar density. Is this true or is it misguided? I would be most grateful for your input.

[@shawndavies950]

Flow meter style have a factory preset psi at around 50 so with small tanks regulator style with 2 guages will pretty much empty the tank and not leave 50 psi of gas mix wasted.

[@JahanZeb1976]

Excellent informative video. Keep up good work. Regards,

[@PM17E5]

The sound effects, approval bumper stickers, overpriced gauges listing, make me cringe. The dual regulator is like 120 or less on Amazon/eBay from another company. The single ball flow regulators are not 60 they're more like 20-30 online as well. Just do some shopping. It's just a bunch of brass, a diaphragm, a spring, and a gauge.

[@keithjurena9319]

1 cubic foot is about 28.32 liters. 60 minutes per hour. So liters per minute to cubic feet per hour is roughly divide by 2.

[@squirrel6687]

How does a high dollar Esab Victor ESS42-150-580, Inert Gas Regulator (flow gauges), compare with a cheaper but Mr. Tig approved Regulator that comes with say a PrimeWeld 225x?

[@marzsit9833]

don't know about the newer stuff but my 30+ years old victor flowmeters still work and have never been overhauled.

[@techknow9237]

I notice the ball bobbins is still floating even after the oxygen supply is turned off from the regulator that is attached to F Oxygen Cylinder - is this a fault ?

[@one4stevo]

Great job Mr Tig.

[@asgharrezaei0138]

Dear Mr TIG i think the first one you show is much regular everybody use , i have got Italin type works perfect 20€

[@rotlerin]

Very useful video. Thanks Mr TIG

[@basemkhoja4498]

What is the correct amount of argon gas flow when welding? For mig welding

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

I use about 17 cfh

[@Wheel-1]

Thanks for the video, Very helpful ! Thanks for your time

[@proteusindustriesinc2637]

which would you recommend for gasses?

[@brianmccall3508]

Can you give us a robust rating between 1-10 for each regulator?

[@kawshalyakarunaratne9172]

thank you very much !

[@benschapero2777]

Hi, How about testing and review. Klutch st80 stick welder. Thanks

[@saintearth]

I'd like to see a video comparing gas and water cooled torches.

[@ratdude747]

I think they did actually...

[@FromThe3PointLine]

How many cfh do the Harris go to?

[@rootnrom]

Ford Co 0

[@samuelmdouglas]

So what if you're not from 1 of the 3 countries that dont use the metric system?

[@antigen4]

sorry that's stupid - yeah let's knock out the metric scale offering because we don't want to bother looking up the conversion

[@farleyxwilbur655]

Don't convert, just learn the metric system and recognize the settings you need. Converting is why the metric system is hard: converting to imperial is a pain.

[@suckmybat]

I watched the whole video to see why the first two regulators were not considered good, yet no explanation came. Build quality? Performance? If they work what's the reason for not recommending? Confusing

[@htwarrior6801]

They would work, but are not accurate and leaks are expected. Also the unit of measurement displayed is not typical in their region.

[@chrisinestes]

Well, dang... I was all ready to order up an MT-50 for my very own, but... the MT-50 is no longer available. The replacement, MT-60, is the same $69 price, but doesn't come with a hose.

[@lsx_moe]

I think jodi sells a pretty decent dual flowmeter on his website for like $120

[@Gokraut]

Can you update the links in your description???? awesome videos!!!! keep them coming

[@abdellatifjaidane858]

Thank you

[@cj691]

Hose barbs are used in laboratory conditions all the time without leakage???! I also don't see why metric is bad just because we are too stubborn to go to it...

[@levidr7]

Too bad that the USA doesn't use SI-units... it's super logic and easy to imagine, for example the Liters/minute. How easy and straight forward can it be..? :-) I'd do a carreer switch if this inch crap was the standard here! X-O

[@kikprog]

Fix camera better or use stabilazation, Image shaky.

[@reedxuk]

Pleased wasn't just me affected. Thought there was something wrong with the Chromecast.

[@Chilllybob]

All of your links are no good.. they come up with errors.. How come you never respond to anyone's comments??Does anyone know if this guy is still around ? did he get covid??

[@bjPops]

One of your worst videos; regulator is not approved because it is in metrics and has a barbed fitting. You are probably one of the best welders on KZbin, but you make me wonder how you Americans made it to the moon. The rest of the world have to adjust to US, Imperial and Metric systems. Converting flow ( cfh/2 to litres per minute) should be one of the easiest maths. Using a new regulator, you should try to calibrate it against a known pressure indicator and or flow meter. Even factory set regulators can be adjusted in most cases. One of the worst fault on a regulator is internal leakage, so if you leave pressure on, it will blow your low pressure hose and deplete your supply.

[@Rat454]

In regards to the "moon" comment, simple answer, NASA and the military use the metric system for aviation :D

[@bjPops]

Rat454 To the best of my knowledge NASA introduced metrics about 1990 and later on went all metric from about 2007. Military use metrics for medical, USAF aviation does not. I have been an aircraft engineer for more than 40 years, and have been working on Uncle Sams hardware like the F-16, most of the time; its all inches. If you read my comment its about this video; regulators and adaptability to other standards. mentalfloss.com/article/55895/countries-havent-adopted-metric-system

[@Rat454]

Thank you for the information Oddmund. I'll admit it wasn't a educated comment. I based it on often hearing US military use the term "klicks" when referring to distance. Which I believe is "kilometres". Perhaps there is a mix of measurements used. It wouldn't surprise me if a US fighter pilot was educated in the metric system, especially when they are often working in conjunction with NATO on missions who no doubt use the metric system. It would make them a more efficient pilot in my opinion. I've known for a long time though that NASA have used the metric system, I didn't know the exact date though. Regardless i'll give you the moon, but they are going to mars on the metric system.

[@woodterm]

And, in addition, they most probably didn't make it to the moon. Oh, pardon me, they haven't even tried, the whole thing is staged...

[@timberwrightsvs480]

I'll ignore the last comment for obvious reasons...but I'm a US veteran who spent an entire career on air force bases and, after my active duty years, at KSC and PAFB. For one thing, we routinely employed the metric system for electrical measurements -- both in and out of uniform -- but the old technicians I started working with when I left active duty put a man on the moon using analog test equipment that has long since been thrown on the scrap pile. They were often intimidated by the new blood and their fancy "digital" circuitry training, but they were also proud to say: "We put a man on the moon." People can type whatever they want, but those guys put their money where their mouths were -- and no one can take that away from them. I'm also a bit confused about how an aircraft engineer with 40 years of experience working on US aviation equipment can be so confounded by an older welder who made his bones without mastering the metric system. Just like the old technicians I worked with at KSC and PAFB, this guy has obviously mastered his craft the old school way -- and he deserves our respect for that fact. By the way, most of the welders I know seem to be quite comfortable employing the Imperial measurement system, as well.

[@demmachinery8795]

we have another gas saver regulator for welding , about 50% gas will be saved , are you interest to have a test and talking ?

[@mason8725]

God dam, I'm a beginner, just brought all my kit and a miller machine that is far more capable than me but also a reg that looks like the first one on your table, abit disappointed now as the shop said it was good.

[@RockabillyRambler]

Heavy good Light bad Much wow

[@kanapathipillaikarnan]

good a wim argon regulator

[@runtr8389]

so Mr tig does not like metric , ,you do know there are some 180 other country's on the surface of the earth ,that are not usa

[@marzsit9833]

what he means is that here in the usa, welder's reference data and textbooks do not use metric values so a metric flowmeter is a problem unless you are willing to do the math to convert everything to metric.

[@bobaloo2012]

Unless you invented it, you're not "MR TIG", that's just obnoxious.

[@علیبحرینی-خ6ب]

سلام من یک جوشکار لوله هستم خیلی دوست دارم بیام به کشور شما از ایران بوشهر

[@SOLDOZER]

Mr TIG was terrible at TIG.

[@JTCamper]

Crap, Mr. TIG... #metric is the world.

[@funkypotamus]

What is all this 'Mr TIG' nonsense?!?! Just share the info and shut up about yourself.