Huge Argon Leak Inside TIG and Stick Welder! Lets Open it up and try to fix it

[@BrandonLund]

MORE WELDING AND FABRICATION VIDEOS HERE:kzbin.info/aero/PLfbf78fMz9Vol0uX2-GNc6mLi75zpqb5f LEARN HOW TO WELD VIDEOS HERE:kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3XEYnxpZp56gJI

[@1rustytree]

Great video! If you hadn't taped this no one would have believed you had all those leaks! Unbelievable!

[@BrandonLund]

Crazy huh! These little welders are awesome but it seems they can have some quirks. This is still my go to TIG setup though.

[@adriansandor1733]

Nice video Brandon, we learn a lot from you everytime.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Adrian! I appreciate your support and kind words

[@davidyeager2096]

The pressure on the low pressure side went up as the tank pressure went down. This is normal with that type of regulator. It's called an upstream regulator, the gas flow moves in the opposite direction of the regulators moving parts which are held by the spring you feel when you operate the control knob. As the tank pressure falls, the pressure against the diaphragm is reduced but the spring pressure remains constant resulting in an increase on the low pressure side.

[@drickard67]

I've been waiting years for someone to explain the 'why' to that... I just accepted that it works like that and didn't feel like it was worth the effort to research or ask. Lol Thanks for taking the time to explain ...

[@BrandonLund]

Yes, thank you for that explanation!

[@mildyproductive9726]

I learned this the hard way, using an air compressor and regulator to aerate an etch tank full of acid. When you switch off the compressor but you leave the aerator running off the dropping pressure in the compressor tank, you get an eruption/overflow when the tank pressure gets close to the output/set pressure. In this case, it happens over an hour later, after I had wandered off.

[@spettro9]

JEALOUS OF YOUR NICE BIG CLEAN UNCLUTTERED TABLE. Nice video, thank you! I just had a 20 cfm tank filled and after a few minutes of actual weld time, the tank went from 1800 to 1000 psi.... It's a new TIG welder similar to one in your video, and the only previous tank went down way, way faster than the MIG machine I used it with previously to weld aluminum. (I actually fixed it from Hurricane Sandy damage, converted it to DC, and added MIG torch to do aluminum. Different machine though from one in question.) I'm going to have to take it apart again and see. I think it has to either be the solenoid, or else the flow regulator.

[@BrandonLund]

Its a horrible feeling when you realize so much gas is gone in a short time. Good luck finding the problem. Im sure you will figure it out.

[@stefanczechorskidds5536]

This is a very insightful vid! Great universal application for any welder! There are just some things you don't expect to occur; especially the ones that are hidden behind a cover! Thank you.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man! I was surprised by this also. Crazy huh!

[@luciferbritesun6976]

DRicard and you really help me answer so many questions, AND FOR THIS WE THANK YOU , I’ve switched out about 3 argon tanks thinking I may have had bad gas , but now I’m sure all that gas couldn’t be contaminated and there must be leaks somewhere in the system, my tig welds on stainless where golden until about a week ago, I did find a pin hole leak in the gage hose , now it’s time to open her up. I use a prime weld ct520dp. Thanks a million awesome video thumbs up

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks for watching and im glad I could help!

[@larryshreve9076]

Great video. I appreciate the thoroughness

[@BrandonLund]

@Larry Shreve thanks man!

[@edmarkham2632]

Maybe you should let the manufacturers know how many leaks you found and they might pay more attention to their quality control.

[@BrandonLund]

Yes, I plan to contact them.

[@stefanandersson5604]

God video as Always! Stefan 👍

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks buddy!

[@drickard67]

Mine was leaking a bit more than that...when I would turn off the bottle the needle would drop within a few seconds. It looks like yours took about as much tape as mine... I've been told that leaks like that not only wastes a lot of gas but also introduces contaminates from outside air. Good video!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks buddy and I appreciate you bringing it to everyone’s attention. Gas is expensive to be wasting. I’m going to go through the rest of my welders to see if any others leak.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good job Brandon, our thanks to the heads up from your viewer too!!👍👍. Fred

[@BrandonLund]

You bet!

[@joewest1972]

If I may.... not ever recommended to use teflon tape on any ball and socket connections. The tape actually inhibits the ball to socket seal.

[@BrandonLund]

Good point!

[@mtrltoolman]

Good job

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you:)

[@rvalcourtpersonaca]

Do you think that leaks may be the company’s way of fire suppression. The case fills up with inert gas and if anything goes wrong the gas will keep the machine from catching on fire.😄😄 super video Brandon!

[@BrandonLund]

🤣🤣🤣 now that you mention it, I may have just removed the safety on board fire suppression system! Awesome comment buddy! Hahaha 😁

[@nelsonsantos770]

I thought argon is inert, non-combustible gas, so no need to worry about fire, but it can cause respiratory problem when inhaled too much - asphyxiation.

[@BrandonLund]

Argon is non flammable Nelson. Richard was joking by implying that when the unit catches fire that the high volume of non flammable gas leaks inside the case would extinguish it.

[@TheChrisey]

Yeah. Fire needs oxygen... Argon displaces oxygen.

[@richardallan455]

Thanks for this I learned from you but at 17:25 to 17 :35 I am seeing something when you sprayed between the blue and brass at the RHS it looked like you still have a leak maybe just a reflection on the video sorry if I am wrong thanks for your insight.

[@BrandonLund]

Good eye Richard! What you are seeing is the light from the high frequency electrical contacts. It is made when you pull the trigger on the TIG torch. Be sure to set notifications because I will be demonstrating how to properly set up the gap for these contacts in an upcoming video. When A tig torch suddenly starts to become erratic or stops functioning, this is often the source.

[@nicholasr1977]

@@BrandonLund can you explain more on this or refer to video you made on the contacts

[@tanksoldier9770]

Who would think all those leaks that's crazy , time to check for leaks on all your welders .

[@BrandonLund]

Right on. I wonder how much Argon and C-25 I’m loosing in a year? I’m going to have to tear into the rest.

[@neild3101]

So pretty much if you buy this welder take it out of the box and teflon tape all the gas connections. Very good to know.

[@BrandonLund]

Some have commented that this welder is as good as some costing thousands, so if your handy, paying a couple hundred and having to do this is a steal in my opinion.

[@neild3101]

@@BrandonLund I just bought it to do a side job that they couldn't bring me the part for me to fix so I had to get a portable welder. . it was cheaper than renting.

[@BrandonLund]

@@neild3101I use mine primarily for the tig feature but not so much for the stick function.

[@johnwilliams242]

Great vid...…

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man!

[@Lesdon2000]

Mr brandon what a nice tip,but if the leaks not was fixed what can happen with the welding. Gr Les.

[@BrandonLund]

You will use more gas because you will have to increase the volume to compensate for the loss

[@Lesdon2000]

Thank you Brand, and it can also smolt the tungsten and with a poor flow joint with the pieces, is that correct, i'm Les from Suriname ,south america sir. Thanks for coaching and sharing the tips

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man I apprecaite it!

[@nighthunt8775]

Hello Brandon, do i also have to open the valve of a helium 4.6 bottle all the way? Until it stops? Thanks in advance.

[@BrandonLund]

Yes :)

[@davidlodge32]

What if the solenoid isn't closing properly? Wouldn't that have the same effect? How would you test for that?

[@BrandonLund]

Great point @David Lodge. It sure would have the same effect. One way to check would be to spray the threads with soapy water where the torch connects. If you see bubbles than the solenoid is being held partially open.

[@willpugh8998]

Soda pop looks good!

[@BrandonLund]

🍺🍻😁 good eye!

[@annoying_films]

Hey there, great info in this video. I have a similar welder and im starting to hear a leak as well lately, i was just wondering which type of teflon tape you used ? Is it safe for argon? And is there any other options or does teflon seem to be the best for sealing the leak? Thank you!

[@BrandonLund]

I just used basic plumbers Teflon and it seemed to work fine

[@annoying_films]

@@BrandonLund awesome thank you for the reply

[@MarkThomas123]

Soapy water works great for the average leak, but, when you have very fine leaks,, move over to windex to find them.. You will be amazed how much you miss with soapy water.. Sounds crazy, but, keep trying it.. You will see what I am talking about.. Cheers.

[@BrandonLund]

Great tip Mark! I have never heard of this but I am going to give it a try! Thank you! Merry Christmas and happy holidays

[@MarkThomas123]

@@BrandonLund Roger that.. I have had to track down a lot of small leaks on inflatable rafts in my business.. Out comes the Windex.. Soapy water stays in the Garden Sprayer.. Ha..Ha. Merry Christmas to you and your Family.. #MAGA Lots coming in the New Year.. All is good! Cheers..

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you very much Mark and I appreciate your support!

[@MrChamz99]

How would I go about removing the hose from the fitting that connects to the face if the welder? It's the only connection that did not leak in this video but is on mine.

[@BrandonLund]

I believe they a re a push lock style fitting but I could be mistaken.

[@nelsonsantos770]

Great video though, it's like fixing a computer!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man!

[@ifitaintbroke7427]

Being as all the ones that was leaking was leaking, I would have just got all new fitting for the welder. That price would be a lot cheaper than wasting gas each time you turn on the unit. Also if I had just used the tape like you I would still be having that worry in the back of my mind everytime I used it. The tape is good for in a pinch, but shouldn't be used as a permanent fix.

[@BrandonLund]

One of the viewers posted about this after a lot of research. He was not able to find the correct fittings so he used thread tape. Thread tape or liquid ptfe is reliable. Its trusted on gas mains so I trust it here.

[@massa-blasta]

the leaking solenoids are a common issue on the chinese welders. I think they do it on purpose as some kind of sick joke. Teflon tape is a no no, I hope you don't die.

[@BrandonLund]

They were not compression fittings so something is needed to create the seal. PTFE (Teflon) is used for gas connections so there will be no problem, plus Argon is not flammable.

[@BrandonLund]

Protected Profile that’s interesting but makes complete sense. I also think you are correct about the manufacturing. I’m sure one massive factory makes these and then they are rebranded. The electronics are usually the downfall of these. I was surprised to see it was well built with vertically mounted boards but the easiest part (the mechanical connections) missed the mark by a lot. Thank you for your comment. I would like an update if you find out anything further. Cheers brother!

[@taz9433]

You were losing a lot of gas. also brass on brass fittings shouldn't leak.

[@BrandonLund]

Thankfully, I got it sorted out before I lost any more 👍