Thread: Gas Rate Flow

I use 10lpm for my CO2 only setup - not sure how much it differs for and argon/CO2 mix. The one thing I've noticed is that when you pull the trigger, there's an initial gush of gas before the regulator starts, well, regulating. I suspect this puff cools the wire and arc point, delaying the establishment of the weld pool - only momentary, but it annoys me - don't know if it's normal.

What I conclude from this is that excessive air flow might create excessive cooling?

10lpm is normally where I set it to.

Using too much will make a difference to the bank account,I generally use the same as the others but up to 15lpm if there is any breeze or sometimes if the shroud is further away from the job due to a confined area.

Every where i have worked and done engineering use 15 litres/min. Altho if you are using the stronger gas you can run it at less than that. Jordan

If you are using short arc transfer in a workshop environment with still air, 8-10lpm will do the job nicely. If one steps up to full spray arc, then due to the larger molten pool, 15+lpm may well be required, as will also occur if there is a breeze. Be aware though that no amount of gas will overcome windy conditions and other physical shields must be employed.
This does not apply to aluminium, it is a gas hog and you will probably be looking more in the realm of 20lpm flow.
If you are getting porosity then check your environment before you turn the flowmeter up. Also, don't neglect the gas shroud, Bernard shrouds are particularly bad for gas turbulence when the inner insilation material becomes frayed, you will notice this far more with aluminium than steel.
I know many instruction manuals suggest up to 30 or even 40lpm, remember though, these manuals are often written by the same company that sells the gas!

hahahahha...thats why a just love this place!!! Just learnt something new again. I never really bothered to check my gas settings i just turned it on a 1/4 of a turn and it just seems to run right. But in saying that ive nocited my gas is going down in a rapid rate maybe i need to get a handle on looking and checking it everytime i fire it up...

Two Question but:

10 to 15 lpm seens to the happy medium
aslo i have a b.o.c account and they gave me a bottle with a vertical female plug Can i just buy a 90deg brass elbow from bunning to help me fit my reg correctly?

yeah assuming MIG process, 10 to 15 lpm for me too. But for general mild steel welding 8 - 12 lpm in a workshop still air environment

my boc bottle has a vertical thread hole and my reg has a side option hole can i just go to bunnings and buy a brass 90deg fitting to suit or does it need to be a speical one for welding bottles?