[rahtreelimbs]

I bought a good flow meter for my MIG welder. The original unit from Lincoln was a pre set type.

What CFH do you members normally run at???

Standard indoor welding.....Lincoln Magnum 100 torch !!!

[Otto Nobedder]

For MIG, even in calm air, I'm at least at 25 CFH. Since work buys my gas, I use 35.

[Otto Nobedder]

BTW, I plan to post a "gas-saver" tip this week for TIG, once I get some pics. It'll apply a little bit to MIG.

[rahtreelimbs]

I was just wodering if was such a thing as a gas saver for MIG !!!

[Otto Nobedder]

Not really. What I've come up with reduces parisitic losses, such as losses through the line itself, and that big surge of gas you get when you hit the trigger/mash the pedal/open the torch valve.

[nickn372]

Depending what I'm doing I usually run between 18 and 25. I of course have to buy my own gas so I save all I can. If you keep a shorter stickout whenever possible it helps you to be able to run a lower flow rate.

[BDoubleU]

Depending what I'm doing I usually run between 18 and 25. I of course have to buy my own gas so I save all I can. If you keep a shorter stickout whenever possible it helps you to be able to run a lower flow rate.

That's a good tip ... I've seen short cups actually allow for a slight extension of the contact tip, so the stickout could be kept to a minimum. Of course, the hotter you weld - the more gas & stickout you need.

On shielding gas settings - 25 CFH is a good rule of thumb. You may be able to optimize your welds with a lower setting if you keep a shorter stickout (as your technique, application and environment allow) and you should also check all of your connections to make sure there are no leaks.

[reddtigger]

Speaking of connections, do you guys use any type of sealers ? ie: Teflon tape, joint compound, etc ?

[Otto Nobedder]

Speaking of connections, do you guys use any type of sealers ? ie: Teflon tape, joint compound, etc ?

Nope. Those connections are designed to work like a pipe union. If tightening it doesn't stop a leak, the faces need dressed (w/ scotchbrite) or replaced.

You CAN add sealants, but it's bad practice. If you forget and do it on the oxygen side of your torch, the results can be unpleasant.

(There are some pipe-taper threads on your regulator/flowmeter, but they are sealed with a high-strength thread locker/sealant, and should never leak unless disturbed.)

[zigeuner]

I use a ball type flowmeter and set it at around 20 SCFH. I have a Lincoln SP175 Plus and I use straight CO2. It does ordinarily give a bit more spatter, but I control this nicely by keeping a container of Welding Gel nearby. I will dip the warm tip right in the gel and then continue with my welding. This cuts spatter down to a very low level.

CO2 has two benefits: It's relatively inexpensive and it gives somewhat greater penetration. I was taught MIG by a friend who had been a professional welder before becoming a CNC machinist and he still uses CO2. I understand that 75/25 gives a slightly nicer weld but for the difference in price, I'm fine with CO2. Since I'm a hobby weldor only, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

I also like the fact that, although the CO2 containers are larger in diameter, they are lower. This makes it a bit easier to move the cart around. I also keep the tip of the torch scrupulously clean and that helps for the next time that I weld. I also like solid .024 Lincoln Wire for general use. It's got a broad range.

I also discovered that a 20# cylinder of CO2 has as much capacity as a 160 cu. ft. cylinder. Apparently, one pound of CO2 provides approximately 8 cu. ft. of shielding gas.