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Shielding gas flow rate?

HankScorpio

HankScorpio

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I have welded flux core forever. I upgraded to a Hobart handler 180 to run on gas. It was a well used unit and had a few issues. I just ran some gas through it and if the weld looked ok it was good enough for me. I just got a nice Hobart Ironman 230 mig and will be running on Argon co2. I am searching for flow rates. I used to just use a regulator and let it rip. I figured I was probably using too much gas so I bought a regulator with a flow meter. I am wondering what the flow rate should be and do I need different flow rates for different amperage welds?

Same question for my Lincoln TIG on 100% Argon.
 
if its just a psi regulator and no wind were you are welding lots of people do 15-20 psi .

if its a flow meter style the little ball that goes up/down then i got no clue .

once you go shielding gas mig i dont think you will wana go back to flux unless you have to .
 
I fully agree, gas is great. The flux core is nice for outside. I started with a psi gauge and now have a flow meter. The flow meter seemed like more control but as I research it looks like its not super critical. 25cfh should do well in most situations.
 
beags86 said:
No, you want weldingweb.

As far as it actually goes sweet is on point with anywhere from 15-25 cfh. I used to run across welders all the time that would just crank it to 40. Your just wasting gas at that usage. Of course they weren't paying for it. Lol.
Click to expand...
That's why I was checking. Gas isn't crazy money but why waste it. Thanks.
 
HankScorpio said:
That's why I was checking. Gas isn't crazy money but why waste it. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Until it's not.
Get into welding stainless and buy some tri-mix.
Get a piece of scrap and try out different flow rates. Start on the bottom side and work up. Find a flow rate that you think works Well and your set. But there is nothing to be gained to maxing out the flow rate unless you have a small breeze or fan blowing at you.

You using a dual mix or a single gas?
 
Found some info on TIG. CFH should be about 2X the cup diameter(number). The cup number is the diameter in 16ths. So a number 5 cup (5/16th dia) should have about 10cfh flow, a giant 16 cup (1" dia) should be 32cfh. Also tungsten stickout should equal the cup diameter. Amperage should not affect flow rate and rough amperage setting is 1amp per thousandth thickness. 1/8 in steel, (.125) will TIG at about 125 amps.
 
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