[Mike25]

IMG_0582.JPG (41.07 KiB) Viewed 2652 times

I am new to MIG welding, and just bought the ESAB EMP 215ic multiprocessor, which came with a Victor regulator.. Everything I read thus far states the CFH for MIG is between 12 - 15 CFH. The Victor regulator that came with the ESAB welder uses color coded CFH ranges for both MIG and TIG. It shows 10 - 28 CFH for TIG and 30 - 42 CFH for MIG. Why is the MIG CFH higher than what others say is the correct MIG CFH range? I'm trying to figure this out. Thanks 

[cj737]

I run between 25-35CFH for MIG.
I run as high as 25CFH for TIG with a #12 cup.

Ignore the colors, go by what your experience dictates works in any given condition. Every machine welds differently. Every climate has nuances of effect on material temps, CFH needs, amperage, etc.

[Poland308]

The picture of your gauge is a Borden tube gauge. It more or less uses pressure to give you a flow reading. You may want to invest in an actual flow meter with a ball to hold over the nozzle in your mig gun. it’s not uncommon for a gauge like that to not be calibrated. So the scale on the gauge may be anywhere from 5 to 10 cfh off.

[LtBadd]

Use this as Josh suggested, hold over the MIG nozzel to check the flow rate

Shield Gas Flow Tester for TIG, MIG, Plasma Torches

Or a dedicated flow meter, I use the HTP dual flow meter(not shown) for TIG and purging capabilities

HTP Argon CO2 Mig Tig Flow meter Regulator Welding Weld Flowmeter
E-Bay's #1 Sellling flowmeter over 8600 sold!

[LanceR]

I'm new to this MIG thing, too. Why wouldn't you just swap to a flowmeter and know all the time what's happening?

[cj737]

I'm new to this MIG thing, too. Why wouldn't you just swap to a flowmeter and know all the time what's happening?

I'd wager that 90% of all people who weld for a hobby, couldn't weld the difference of 5CFH of any shielding gas. In fact, I bet many full time welders can't tell the difference either until they get years of actual experience.

Now, if you are welding to a WPS, the CFH might very well be specified and then it is critical you use a correct, verifiable flow rate. But in the garage, poppy-cock! Use more than you think, and use less when the turbulence is outrageous.

My opinion.

[Poland308]

I know better, but I just use the gauge regulator set that came with my Lincon 210 mp. I use it only for mig. I just disregard what the gauge says and crank it to wherever I don’t have issues.

[tweake]

as gas is not cheap here, i tend to use the bare minimum i can get away with.
tho i found recently it can weld better at lower gas flows.

[Demented]

I'm new to this MIG thing, too. Why wouldn't you just swap to a flowmeter and know all the time what's happening?

I'd wager that 90% of all people who weld for a hobby, couldn't weld the difference of 5CFH of any shielding gas. In fact, I bet many full time welders can't tell the difference either until they get years of actual experience.

Now, if you are welding to a WPS, the CFH might very well be specified and then it is critical you use a correct, verifiable flow rate. But in the garage, poppy-cock! Use more than you think, and use less when the turbulence is outrageous.

My opinion.

Even in the laser welder I used to use, could never tell the difference between +/- 5 chf. We just set it until the flow sounded right and worked away, and this thing has very "precise" requirements.

[BillE.Dee]

I personally have read information until I am red in the face. The reading gives me an idea and then I get to on job training (myself) for the hands on experience. I have also found that people at the supply store are basically "employees" are can sell whatever you are looking for. For the most part, anyway.
Get involved in here and you will get more help from experienced folks who have walked the walk and can talk the talk.