Thanks Ken,

I am not sure why, but on the web there have been notes of the same behaviour, 
it seemed to be impossible and then difficult to get gas to flow.  Now its fine 
and controllable.  Why? - I am not sure, maybe just a new valve with some 
plastic dust in the system?  Tried different bottles as well and I now get the 
hiss and it is easier to weld!  

Yep, got 2mm practice sheet and the first job is on 3 mm.  (when I manufacture 
the bracket)  More practice ahead!

Found this offer for disposable small bottles - Large capacity £15 each buy 
three get the third half price.  CO2, Argon/CO2 And Argon all the same price 
and you can mix them.

http://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/Welding/Mig_Tig_Gases1.html

And this for Refillable 1300litre Argon/CO2, no rental.

http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/welding_equipment/welding-gas

Are these prices good in your experience?

Derek




On 21 Oct 2013, at 16:54, Ken Needham wrote:

> hi Derek, 
> I've used the 160 version for some years with small bottles and  large.
> I found with the small bottle and regulator that screws on top of the bottle, 
> if you power off the unit with gas connected, when you press the trigger you 
> can hear the gas hiss at the nozzel as you turn up the regulator. 
> It should sound clear but soft. If it's harsh you are probably wasting gas. 
> With Practise gas lasts much longer and as Jim says one only welds for a few  
> seconds. Trouble is once the joys of success are found, there is so much to 
> weld! then it's on to a large bottle and ball in sleeve type regulator.
> Gas type does make a difference. Co2 is ok and cheapest but an Argon mix does 
> give a bette
> Try starting with metal about 2mm thick  as thin metal is more difficult.  
> Less than 2mm use 0.6 mm welding wire with the correct tip.
> Play on scrap first, it vreally is worth practising.p
> 
> Good luck
> Ken
> 
> > Subject: Re: [Quantum Owners] Welding & GAs
> > From: derek_cl...@lineone.net
> > Date: Sun, 20 Oct 2013 23:12:45 +0100
> > To: quantumowners@googlegroups.com
> > 
> > Thanks Jim.
> > 
> > No flow meeter fitted just the basic kit. The small bottle regulator 
> > supplied has markings on the top that are described in the manual as set 3 
> > -4 for 2 to 3 litres per minute. Seems I was getting nothing at first but 
> > now still not enough. I'll look for a flow meter but gauges seem to be for 
> > large bottles on the whole.
> > 
> > Cheers 
> > 
> > Derek
> > 
> > 
> > On 20 Oct 2013, at 19:40, Jim Hearne wrote:
> > 
> > > You can run the bigger welders from a 13 amp plug, you might blow an 
> > > occasional fuse if welding on the maximum current but i can't remember 
> > > the last time mine went.
> > > Remember a 13amp fuse won't actually blow instantly at 13 amps, it will 
> > > take many seconds, they need 2 or 3 times there rated current to blow 
> > > straight away.
> > > 
> > > I can hear a hiss of gas from mine in use (not over the sound of the weld 
> > > but while the trigger is pressed).
> > > A louder initial noise and then a quieter hiss.
> > > Is your flow meter just a pressure gauge calibrated in l/Min ?, if so 
> > > invest in one with the ball in the vertical tube, they are much more 
> > > accurate.
> > > Not that i can remember what mine is set to, more like 5 l/min i think.
> > > if you are welding outside with any wind you need to turn it up more.
> > > 
> > > The times you quote would be for a continuous weld but in practice most 
> > > welds will only be a few seconds long if that.
> > > So it lasts a lot longer than you think.
> > > 
> > > Jim
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > On 20/10/2013 18:30, Derek Clews wrote:
> > >> Hi, got the Clarke Mig 135TE welder in the end due to the power 
> > >> requirements and this being the largest on a normal 13 Amp plug. Been 
> > >> giving it a try and now seem to be settling to it. I found I had to turn 
> > >> the power and speed down more than expected from the manual and had to 
> > >> play around a lot with the gas to get it flowing. Most practice welds 
> > >> were gasless due to that issue!
> > >> 
> > >> So just a question on gas for those who have the experience. How much of 
> > >> a sound should I get from the gas flowing. I now get a 'fhut' sound when 
> > >> pressing the trigger if pressurised. But cannot hear a hiss as such. Is 
> > >> the 2-3 litres/min quoted in the manual such low flow for the handle? 
> > >> (it's not a lot really I suppose)
> > >> 
> > >> Also I have seen some posts on the web about the small bottles lasting 
> > >> for only short periods like, 6 minutes of welding. That would be 18 
> > >> litres at 3 litres/min. So does the rate have to be really high despite 
> > >> the manufacturers figures or are they set up wrong. You can get a small 
> > >> bottle of 110 litres and at 3 litres/min that should last 36 mins by my 
> > >> maths. A bit different. I appreciate there are bigger bottles out there 
> > >> but they do need storage and it does depend on use.
> > >> 
> > >> Any thoughts?
> > >> 
> > >> Derek
> > >> 
> > >> 
> > >> 
> > > 
> > > 
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