Welding Tips and Tricks

Ok,
Here goes my dumb question of the week.

I have a multi-process welder (Everlast) that I have been using for MIG+Stick for a while now, but am just getting around to trying out TIG.

I have Argon tank and flowmeter already.

my question is - can you connect both gas sources via a "Y" and valves - or do you constantly have to disconnect/reconnect to a single gas source when you change processes ?

E.g. - can you have a 100% Argon tank, and a 75/25 Mig mix tank, connected via a "Y" and valves to the single welder gas input and switch between them?

I am asking this here because I am seeing a lot of conflicting opinions on the subject (and I might get a few more )
The AirGas people flat out told me NO
Others have said yes just purge the lines.
ad infinitum

My 2 cents - Yes, if you use a Y fitting, with shutoff valves on both inputs. You will have to purge when switching functions. I do the same thing with my Everlast, except I use Quick disconnect fittings between air, argon, and C25

ljdm1956 wrote:My 2 cents - Yes, if you use a Y fitting, with shutoff valves on both inputs. You will have to purge when switching functions. I do the same thing with my Everlast, except I use Quick disconnect fittings between air, argon, and C25

Thanks - would you mind sharing a link to a suitable style of quick-disconnect fitting ? just so I can get semi-educated before I go looking...

Look for the fitting you want HERE, get the part number and look for a distributor

I have a setup with with an argon bottle and a CO2 bottle that join with a wye so that I can quickly switch from my MIG machine over to my TIG with a quick connect fitting. When running the MIG I can flow AR and CO2 in various (if somewhat imperfect) mixes. I have a check valve in the line between each gas bottle and the wye fitting so that there can be no inadvertent back flow from one tank to another.

baley, I don't know where you are located but I am using valves and fittings from ACE hardware and not having issues. I used a T block, quarter turn valves, nipples, barb fittings and hose clamps. Everything is brass except the hose clamps.

ltBadd - thanks,
looks like I probably want the Inter Gas version of the Valved "Y"

Looks like AirGas has some options
http://www.airgas.com/product/Gas-Equip ... s/p/WES411

Ill stop by and see what they have I can physically touch

This is what I use to Y Argon and C25, but I'm pretty sure you can use it for your setup, since it has valves. Cost me $42 for everything at my LWS. I use it for inert gas and it works just fine, even though it doesn't state it. I tune my tanks for a 92/8 Ar/CO2 final mixture to run my MIG in spray transfer.

clavius wrote:I have a setup with with an argon bottle and a CO2 bottle that join with a wye so that I can quickly switch from my MIG machine over to my TIG with a quick connect fitting. When running the MIG I can flow AR and CO2 in various (if somewhat imperfect) mixes. I have a check valve in the line between each gas bottle and the wye fitting so that there can be no inadvertent back flow from one tank to another.

Thanks all - I Decided to just go with a quick connect fitting on each hose and one on back of machine - rather than a big "Y" and couplers and check valves and and and....

clavius wrote:I have a setup with with an argon bottle and a CO2 bottle that join with a wye so that I can quickly switch from my MIG machine over to my TIG with a quick connect fitting. When running the MIG I can flow AR and CO2 in various (if somewhat imperfect) mixes. I have a check valve in the line between each gas bottle and the wye fitting so that there can be no inadvertent back flow from one tank to another.

Thanks all - I Decided to just go with a quick connect fitting on each hose and one on back of machine - rather than a big "Y" and couplers and check valves and and and....