Gas Flow?

[Canuck]

Okay so I just got back from the welding store with a bottle of Argon. So I hook up the hose and regulator and went to town on some steel. First problem I encountered was that there always some gas flowing through the torch. It was very minimal and I almost did not notice it but the needle on the regulator was moving. Is this normal or do I have a problem( and the machine is the 180 SD)The second thing I noticed was porosity in the weld and tungsten contamination. I was thinking that it could be a gas flow problem so I increased flow rate and dressed my tungsten and it went away for a bit. I am new to TIG and any help would be great also any tips for a newbie could help.

Thanks to all
Kyle.

[Canuck]

TIG Update

Okay I think I might have partly solved this problem. I cleaned the base material more and the porosity went away. I was welding 1/8" mild steel. I just tried some SS and I can't beleve how nice the puddle flows. My hands are still trembling! I'm still not sure of the gas flow thing and the needle on my regulator was sticking and jumping around so that might be the problem.

[mowjunk]

Kyle, you didn't say if the machine is new, but remember that the 180SD (and others) have postflow. The gas will continue to flow for 12 seconds after you let up on the pedal. That's the default setting for the 180. It can be changed, if needed. If it constantly flows, then something is wrong. If so, see if it flows when the machine is off or unplugged.

Looks like you have the porosity thing solved.....

Keep us posted..


Mow

[Canuck]

The Machine is new and I do now of the post flow feature but I think it was a problem with the regulater but every thing seems to be okay as of now. Thanks for the reply.

[mowjunk]

Good deal!

Mow

[paulrbrown]

Canuck, I had a similar problem with an Econotig, then I started getting HF shocks and arcing of tig gun when my foot was not on the pedal...turned out I had dropped the foot pedal and misaligned it, I was able to fix and not get those crazy symptoms, plus no more beesting shocks....Paul

[Canuck]

Well thankfully any problems I had would have seemed to have gone away. Although it still seems like I am using a lot of argon. I have an 80 cbt bottle that was full yesterday with about 1800psi in it and today it is at 1100psi. I was running at about 15 CFH and did not weld for a really long period of time. Is normal or do you think I have a leak?

[HAWK]

Canuck,

If you practiced all afternoon, it is possible to have used this much gas in 2-3 hours of playing around with an 80CFH bottle. You have to figure the bottle will empty out in about 4-4.5 hours counting post flow time at 15CFH. If you want use a soapy water solution to check for leaks. I THINK IT IS THE REGULATOR TO TANK CONNECTION if anything is leaking. Just give it an extra turn down for good measure. It may not move much, but may stop the leak..

Sometimes I get tanks like that. Occasionally you get a bad regulator: Turn on the tank and pressurize the regulator. Turn off the flow meter or gauge. See how far it bleeds off overnight. Most will bleed off 500PSI in 5 or 6 hours and completely down overnight. If yours bleeds off in a hour or two, then double check your connection and/or swap regulators.

[Canuck]

Thanks for the advice. I will try the soapy water test. I will probably decrease my post flow time from 12 sec. to 6 sec I don't want to waste any gas

[glockdoc]

I learned the hard way about leaks, I now take a soap solution with me when I pick up a fresh bottle. Before it leaves the dock I leak check where the valve goes into the bottle, the psi relief fitting, and the valve seat. And the AirGas guy just can't understand why I would want the same bottle back instead of exchanging it.

[Paul Seaman]

Glockdoc,
I had a similar problem and found it empty the next day and my Airgas guys checked the seal found the leak and swapped me out no charge and all I was out was the trip, Airgas has been good to me thats whay I am so loyal. Checking is a good Idea but unless its a fuel mix and a safety issue, I roll on and know it'll be OK.

Peace,