How To Upgrade Your Mig Welder Gas Bottle To Hobby Weld Gas

In this video I am changing the gas bottles that are normally used on many Mini Mig Welders to a larger bottle like my Clarke 135 TE Turbl Mig Welder. I upgrade it to a Hobbyweld 15 gas bottle, regulator and adaptor hose.
Check out our new t shirt at tshirtcave.co.uk/
Music
Martin Butler www.totallyroya...
Kevin Macleod incompetech.com
Licensed Under Creative Commons
By Attribution 4.0 creativecommons...
Ident graphics by www.Graphicstoc...
Facebook at / retrorestore
Twitter at / martinbutleruk
Retrorestore
MMXVI
All Rights Reserved

[@andyk7217]

Another handy tip is: when turning the bottle on, open it up slightly to release the pressure, then open the valve up fully until it stops and setup the regulator to the correct LPM. The reason is that the valve on the bottle only seals properly at the top & bottom of it's throw...if you leave it open mid-throw, you will lose gas through the threads of the valve. I hope that makes sense?

[@retrorestore]

That's a good point Andy. Thanks bud. Cheers Martin

[@amscout1156]

Great tip. I've only been using flux core with my Everlast wire welder but want to get a bottle soon for mig welding. I never knew that.

[@miketaylor7440]

Great stuff. Just picked up one of these today. £107 total - gas was £42. The Argonshield equivalent - H5 I think.. You explain things in a very clear and easy to understand fashion, thanks again. I have an old regulator I had several years ago when I had a BOC account but I an missing the small adaptor that takes the white gas tube. Not sure if I can buy another one or will have to convert like yourself. Either way - a very good instructional piece!

[@paulknight6377]

Brilliant video, very informative and great presentation....a star is born!!!! But thanks, learnt a lot.

[@dighsx]

That is an upgrade/investment that will pay for it self several times over. Both in gas costs but in ease of use. Well done and Merry Christmas to you and the family, Jay

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Jay, it was a little Christmas present to myself haha. All the best to you and the family bud. Martin

[@ArronAdams1990]

An upgrade worth every penny, i haven't done it yet myself but i'm going too after Christmas, I've been using my clarke mig 135te for about a year now on disposable bottles and although they get the job done it's annoying having to order gas so often, i measure 3 litres a minute on my little flow metre and that is fine for when I'm welding in my shed, the only time i have ever needed more gas coverage is when i was welding outside in windy conditions, thanks for sharing Martin as i now know what to expect from HobbyWeld, I'll need to get a 20mm holesaw or something to drill out my machine for the larger gas line, all the best! if we don't see you in a vlog before hand then merry Christmas to you all, have a good one!

[@retrorestore]

Glad the vid helped you decide what to get Arron. All the best bud. Cheers Martin

[@ashleymenton1369]

Min welding gas pressure is recommended 12l/min to low and you run the risk of porosity in the weld sometimes its not always visible from the outside although its mostly tac welding you will still need a decent coverage

[@cabdriveruk]

Great video Martin, that new bottle will last ages. I used a small clarke bottle once and threw it out and got the larger bottle. You will have to adapt your new trolley to fit your welder properly.Look forward to more video's. Cheers, Jeff.

[@retrorestore]

Yes, i'll be fixing it on properly Jeff. All the best bud. Cheers Martin

[@spanermantim]

A worthwhile upgrade I did the same earlier this year. Just remember to turn the bottle off or it will leak down.

[@retrorestore]

thanks Tim, Yes I will. All the best Martin

[@zedman442]

Nice video Martin, I have thought about doing the same but it was a compromise for me as I like the portability with the small bottles, also my local gas place takes a tenner off the rental cost when you return the bottle so it all adds up.

[@retrorestore]

This hobbyweld Gas is different, there's no rental. You just pay the deposit for the bottle once and then just get it exchanged for £30 and that's it. It's a handy size as you can still lift the trolley quite easily and it's on wheels. I'm very happy now with my set up. Cheers Martin

[@stevenwilson133]

Hiya Martin your best getting a flow meter for the nozzle on the torch to set your gas up just fits over the end of the nozzle that will save you gas 👍

[@retrorestore]

Yes Steve, i'm gonna get one. This gauge don't register 5 litres PM. Cheers Martin

[@acrhie131]

Hi Martin. I switched from BOC Argoshield universal to The Hobbyweld gas. A much cheaper alternative and no £70ish annual rental. Mostly used on my Transit! Hope you and Sharon have a lovely Christmas. Cheers.

[@retrorestore]

Yes, it seems the way to go. I should save on gas this way. All the best. Martin

[@sportshatch]

Hi Martin , watch all your videos and just wanted to say I appreciate your time and effort. Merry Christmas from Scotland.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks for watching bud and all the best for the coming year. Cheers Martin

[@darrenreynolds233]

Good video mate, I like the way you come across as an every day guy and that you explained things well. Nice one. Thanks.

[@retrorestore]

That's all I am Darren. Thanks for watching

[@kobierott1342]

Remember watching this video when you first did it.Just got this welder and planning to get this hobby gas bottle.Good instruction video.thanks for posting.What size bottle is that,

[@retrorestore]

I can't remember but its a standard hobby weld bottle.

[@jaybradley3765]

Brilliant video

[@scrapmanColin]

brilliant video now I have seen you do yours I'm going to do the same to mine I looked up hobby gas and there's is 3 dealers within 20 miles of my house thanks for this video Martin cheers Colin

[@retrorestore]

Nice one Col, so much better that those stupid little bottles and having the trolley is great as well. Cheers Martin

[@brianpercival1829]

My bottle is slightly smaller with similar gauges. The Praxair guy told me to barely crack the main valve and 12-15 cubic feet per hour. Like you, I don't weld often anymore and the bottle is half full after 3 years. Lincoln 140

[@retrorestore]

Nice one Bri, I'll bear that in mind. Cheers martin

[@nigeltaylor8310]

Nice video Martin. I hope you have enough ventilation in that shed for that Gas heater👍

[@ronchambers4112]

Thanks very much.Told me exactly what i needed to know.

[@stebenit]

a job well done Martin as always, cheers for all the vids for 2016 , look forward too many more in 2017 ,on that note just want to wish you and your family a merry xmas and a damn good new year.. take care mate, cheers Steve

[@retrorestore]

Thanks for your support with my channel Steve and all the best for the coming year bud. CheersMartin

[@richardrichard5409]

This guy is the dogs danglies, keep these vids coming. 😎

[@leocrossfield]

Thanks for sharing Martin, really useful - great video.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Leo, yes, this is so much better than it was before.

[@PeteCswampy]

Martin thanks for the vid. I reckon Ive had my gauges set too high. Running a large bottle from uk.gas but reckon I been blitzing my gas by having pressure reg set too high, Ill check it tomorrow.Im on a sealy 190 supermig. Finished my Cortina mk3 shell now but still making things with the mig. Good video well presented. Good steady film and good quality, well done Martin.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Pete, Yes, I was using too much gas as well. Only need 3 lpm for car panel stuff. Cheers Martin

[@workshopshep]

Thanks for the info, very useful to me. BTW to get the best from your gas leak test it is best to froth up the liquid and apply the frothy bubbles.

[@retrorestore]

Yes, I know Richard, I was CORGI registered once so I know all about leak fliuds. Cheers Martin

[@workshopshep]

Sorry Martin, it's just that you painted on the soapy water so I got the impression you were unaware. Great vids.

[@johncourtman9774]

it looks good. mine is over 25 years old it still works ok mark sure you turn it off at the bottle. have fun

[@retrorestore]

Yes, I will John, Cheers bud Martin

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Great upgrade Martin ! that will last longer and be there when you need it , Thumbs up man ..

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Shawn, Yes the other ones didn't last long at all. Cheers Martin

[@marynollaig4124]

Rent free gas is a great development. Once you pay the deposit and keep the receipt you have gas at a reasonable price for the small welder. Hobby weld should do well.

[@nigelarthur1281]

Great vid thanks

[@brmelectric]

Super video. Enjoyed very much.

[@PeteCswampy]

Martin if you need em I have a few sets of gauges and regualtors spare, 2nd hand but good units (they came from a pub) looking at em, they look same as mig units, with deflection on gauge and pressure V.Similar. was gonna put em on ebay. I kept a spare set for myself but have 3 other sets.

[@retrorestore]

I've got a new set now Pete. Thanks for the offer though. Cheers Martin

[@martiniv8924]

Can’t do anything in the shed, unless we have a cuppa Tea 😉 🫖 🍵

[@omaliveatlast4688]

Prices have shot up at hobby weld , I paid £110 deposit on bottle and £70 gas ! That was hobby weld 5 @ 20lts .....!!

[@crazygeorgelincoln]

I drilled a hole in my wielder and all the electrons fell out. Big bottle method will save people loads of dosh. Next conversion to the big spools? I miss oxyacetylene wielding but don't know how to set it up . My MIG is gassless , i have just bought a second arc welder just because I was supprised how light it was,cheap inverter type from Aldi ,planning an open and test vid.

[@mrman17]

I've thought about doing this, but to be honest I hardly do any welding these days so it's probably not worth it (although if I keep it, I could end up doing welding to my current car). I have been told that if you have too much gas flowing, what can happen is that it creates turbulence that mixes in "normal" air which lessens the shielding effect of the CO2/Argon gas.

[@retrorestore]

I would agree with that in theory but i'd have to research to know properly.

[@mrman17]

It does make sense, in theory, but it's not something I've ever tried to see if turning the flow up too far is detrimental. Anyway, whether or not it does, it's just not needed (I only ever turn my "basic" valve up to 3 or 4).

[@casperthespottydog]

spot on Martin,...........you will be a demon welder in no time, cos you will now find yourself looking for things to weld........haha haha........maybe make yourself a fancy welding trolley, that's usually one of the first projects most people do................get in there and get welding!!!!!!........good video cheers Willie

[@retrorestore]

Haha, yes you are right Willie. I want to use it now lol. All the best bud. Cheers Martin

[@geraldsmith6943]

You said that you only do motor body work so hobbyweld 5 would be better and maybe cheaper. It is recommended for welding up to 7 mm thick steel. It’s the one I use

[@retrorestore]

I have hobbyweld 5 now.

[@Nicos89]

Awesome video, helped me a lot

[@andytaylor9032]

Good job Martin, I use mine at around 5-8 .. Or just so I can hear the gas exiting from the nozzle

[@retrorestore]

Yes, i'll get the hang of it. Thanks Andy. Cheers Martin

[@carlgrenfell6129]

happy new year martin to you sharon and the family

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Carl and to you too bud. Cheers Martin

[@brianpercival1829]

Thought there would be a new vid up by now. Did you guys have a great Christmas? Best wishes to You and Sharon for 2017. Happy New years.

[@reviewthat]

We had a great Family Christmas Bri, not done any jobs and also had more computer issues. Back this week. All the best Martin

[@brianpercival1829]

Good that you are well. A vid 'Year End Update' a rant, The family, Barney. Ya know, the good stuff. Talk to you when you post something.

[@mancavehobbies6213]

You have hair them good old days Martin lol

[@vw_beetle_dave]

thank you for your help i got a migmate 150 that i will be doing same as you.

[@chriscampbell8309]

Good job Martin

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Chris Cheers Martin

[@richardrichard5409]

Tip: close wirespeed off, press gun on, if you can just hear the gas flow it's enough.....in a still environment 😎

[@---wl3bi]

Is there anyway to convert it to gasless

[@PeterTangsley]

brilliant video. very helpful.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Peter.

[@jonhart8875]

Would the mig go on the bottom or middle shelf of the trolley as it looks to be top heavy, just an idea. Grate videos keep them coming Jon.

[@retrorestore]

They always sit on the top of these trolley's Jon. I know what you mean though. Cheers Martin

[@JayG2K]

It says on the Hobbyweld website that HW 15 is suitable for 7mm and thicker steel.

[@retrorestore]

Ask them bud, I'm not sure

[@ancientstigg3970]

HW 15 allows for a hotter burn therefore less power needed, For thin car panels HW 5 is the better options but if your mig welder is a tad too hot then go for straight argon. Any of these three option is better than CO2 but that might just be my bias.

[@pauldolman]

great video, i'm interested in doing the same, i must ask did you notice any difference in the quality of your welds or about the same? just having the larger bottle is more convenient

[@retrorestore]

Better welds as you can have a bit more gas without the fear of it running out.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Nice upgrade.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks George. Should save money on Gas now. Cheers Martin

[@richardrichard5409]

Isn't that gauge, total internal gas pressure and exit gauge pressure mate?😎

[@retrorestore]

Yes bud. it is.

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

Nice upgrade mate

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Leon, A present to myself lol

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

retrorestore you will be welding everything now lol

[@weldore1]

open the bottle valve more so you have good pressure to the regulator martin..the reg will do the work and just turn the bottle valve off when done

[@retrorestore]

Thanks for the tip Dave, Will do. Cheers Martin

[@weldore1]

also..as brian was saying...now you have a larger bottle you can afford to run the gas at around 12-15 lpm..which is about normal for a mig. it will still last a very long time unless you have big welding projects

[@retrorestore]

dave -weldore- newton Thanks Dave. Cheers Martin

[@weldore1]

get jimmy on it and open up his work options :)

[@retrorestore]

Yes I was thinking of that too.

[@elliottpeters2996]

What you really need is a friendly landlord who will give you a CO2 bottle for a pint or two. Much cheaper than buying argo Sheild .. and works just as well.

[@tw3378]

Try running your gas flow at around 16 LPH, I don't know but 3LPH seems very low ???

[@TheCitroenman1]

now this is a thumbs up

[@TheCitroenman1]

forgot as well spray wd40 in wire spool stops it from rusting when stored

[@retrorestore]

Thanks bud. Cheers Martin

[@BestUserNameUK]

Good video mate. How is that welding trolley holding up? Been looking at it myself recently on ebay.

[@retrorestore]

Yes, its ideal and up to the job. Cheers Martin

[@kevinjean5714]

Man I wish I could get that black hose in the US.

[@johnmcghee7136]

Just looking at how close you have the gas bottle to the gas heater flame

[@retrorestore]

Don't worry about it John, I am aware of what I am doing. Cheers Martin

[@stewartgrant1963]

I know absolutely nothing about welding, but enjoyed the vid nonetheless, as always! Maybe you can do idiot's guide vid to basic welding? Anyway cheers and have a great Christmas.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Stew. Have a good-un bud. All the best Martin

[@shanebirch3764]

I got a parkside mig welder out of lidl.the welder is running off a 60 bar bottle.i was just wondering if I changed to a 130 bar bottle with a new regulator would the small gas line inside the welder be good enough.i can't take the gun line off the welder

[@retrorestore]

I don't see why not. the gas flow is minimal really. Its the size of the bottle that gives you more gas storage and won't run out as quick.

[@philjames2542]

I tried the hobbyweld bottles but still didn't last me long so I now have an account with BOC. Costly but I have loads and loads of gas

[@marynollaig4124]

That is interesting. There are 3 sizes. Original Plus and Ultra. Which one did you have?

[@MRJWC2332]

Hi Martin, great work as allways and i am putting more in my head. May i ask please sir, i was looking at a arc weld from machine mart just for small car repairs would this be ok esi arc 110 or 115n? Any way have a good Christmas you and baby + family too, from jim and my baby LOL in notts thank you.

[@retrorestore]

I'm no expert but I think you'll find a Mig is far more suited to the thin car body type panel welding.Have a good-un Jim and the family. Cheers Martin

[@johnwelsh7748]

T

[@jw200]

Great tips. Im also getting into gas welding. The welds are much cleaner and nicer. How long such "big" bottle will last? Still using it or its empty now and needs refill?

[@retrorestore]

Still using it bud.

[@jw200]

​@@retrorestore Thank you for the reply. I got a better (used) welder for very cheap price (50€). New like this costs here around 500-600€ Its a Telwin 165 or something. Anyways its better than my noname chinese wire welder. It was AC until i made it DC and added gas solenoid and euro connector and torch. It had no such things. This Telwin has built in gas support and it allows to use 5kg or larger spools. Since its used it needs some work. Cleaning inside and connectors and stuff. But i love doing such repairs, restoring.. So today i messed with gas and did same thing as you in the vid. Listened to the gas and sprayed some soapy water. No leaks on connectors but the gas valve in the torch was leaking gas even when button was released. So i decided to take it apart and take a look how it works. One metal clip holds the main valve together. I got the "piston" (its actually also a button with O rings on it) out and the rubber O rings were completely worn and one was hard (like plastic). Also the button itself is broken into half. Somebody tried to repair it with some piece of wire in the middle of the button. Anyways i have a O ring kit with lots of different sizes of them and i have a 3D printer. I will just make a model and i will print out new button and install new O rings onto that. And that should take care of the leaks and i will have new button. Its simple shape and i can print many of them, because the print time for such tiny model is very small. Its a challenge and at the same time its very interesting to work on it and if it starts working as it should then its very satisfying to see actual repair paid out. And i can save around 200€ (not buying completely new torch for it). So my story today.

[@HarryVigers]

Where did you get your adapter hose from? Very good video

[@retrorestore]

From the local supplier of the gauges, Draytons Welding in Sleaford. I just asked for a mini mig to standard gas bottle conversion hose connector.

[@HarryVigers]

retrorestore ok thank you

[@WereReallyRelayCamping]

you always need a couple of litres a minute, on a tig about 5+, so if you have 100l, then thats less than an hour of weld time on a mig, and about 20 minutes on a tig, the small bottles are an expensive source of gas, but the half size bottles are not much better, once you have gone to the expense of gauges you may as well spend the 60 quid bottle deposit and get a full tall bottle, beware, some charge a monthly rental, avoid them

[@retrorestore]

These are not monthly rental.The trouble with the very big bottles is they are less portable. This size is ideal for someone like me. Cheers bud Martin

[@lnwolf41]

Are the small bottles refillable? Or throw aways?.

[@retrorestore]

throw away

[@orange12v]

mine would eat them little bottles changed to pub co2 bottle still not getting good welds as gas would be blown away went and got me a gasless mig and never looked back

[@retrorestore]

i've never used Gassless

[@orange12v]

@@retrorestore It's the way to go the wire is a little dearer but a lot cheaper than having to buy gas just use the gas one for stainless steel and the like

[@petefroud5308]

Nice work Martin. Can you get a refund on the other bottles . Not that i know much Delboy does a fair bit of welding , sure he is the fella for useage on the gas . Cheers Pete.

[@retrorestore]

I've only got 1 full small one Pete. It'll do as a back up. Cheers Martin

[@petefroud5308]

Fair play Martin . I know it is not used a lot , but if you can get some money back . Helps to pay for the cylinder. .

[@johnp3566]

Where can I buy the adapter online? I have done a search and cant find anything. Cheers

[@retrorestore]

Here you go bit.ly/2XJKzxM

[@Theknotman1964]

Brilliant video what size bottle did you get & or was it sold in litres thanks for posting

[@retrorestore]

Don't know the exact size but it's the middle size. Cheers Martin

[@BestUserNameUK]

Theknotman1964 Martin is using a 10L bottle.

[@mi02ke11]

can you describe where I can get the adapter and hose?

[@retrorestore]

Just type "MIG Welding Gas Regulator with 4mm Hobby Welder Adaptor Hose Kit ARGON CO2" into Ebay to find.

[@Modelrailwayman-kt9zz]

Hi where did you buy the bigger gas bottle and gauges/ hose etc?

[@retrorestore]

Just Google "Hobby gas supplier"

[@Modelrailwayman-kt9zz]

retrorestore ok cheers

[@HobbyweldUk]

Great explanation Martin - Happy welding! :)

[@retrorestore]

Cheers bud, the set up works great. Cheers Martin

[@rjbautos2590]

Could I have the eBay link for he trolley please bud

[@retrorestore]

Here you go Reace www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121601464646?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[@PedroPlckle]

nah not listening to them wind chimes

[@jaynesmith2542]

😂😂😂😂 All done next to a lit fire unbelievable ,,,

[@Slatert97]

Its an inert gas, none flammable

[@davewilson5463]

Good video but that background music is not needed ruined the the video for me especially while you are talking found it hard to concentrate what you was saying 🙄

[@fiftyracer192]

Nice one those little bottles are worthless, not even worth using. I got a good reg for £40 and the same local place does big bottles for £80 to buy the bottle and £30 a fill. No rental cos you bought the bottle, the bottle is same diameter as yours but a good bit taller.

[@retrorestore]

Nice one, It'll be a big saving over those smaller ones. Cheers Martin

[@AndrewVanDay]

All good advice, but that background mood music is very strange and off-putting, it doesn't fit with the subject, more like for a yoga video.

[@retrorestore]

Don't worry about it Andrew.

[@TheCyclone1100]

Like your videos but please could you stop having music in the bacground its just crap please stop it :-D

[@retrorestore]

No I wont, you are the only one.