CO2 for MIG with beer regulator?

jake98 · Aug 21, 2011

Anybody use a beer keg regulator on a MIG set up? I have one of those that isn't being used (sniff, sniff) and CO2 tanks that I run air nailers with. Was wondering if it would work on my soon to be delivered MIG welder?

Mark @ Everlast · Aug 21, 2011

Not sure what MIG you have, but pure CO2 is not fun to weld with, unless you can control the inductance. You'll need to be able to finely control the gas flow in the neighborhood of 15-30 cubic feet per HOUR. Not sure how the beer regulators meter. Those little CO2 cylinders will only last a few minutes. You'll like need something larger. I know the passport will accept CO2 cylinders, but operation time is limited and being an inverter it'll handle the CO2 a little better.

jake98 · Aug 21, 2011

Thanks Mark, I'll buy a tank.

ayelvington · Aug 21, 2011

Adding welding to my list of gas uses was a change of pace and I want to clue you in. I used to scuba dive (owned my tanks) and I make hard cider (own my tanks); but I haven't found anyone around that is willing to give you back your own tank used for welding gas. They all seem to run a bottle exchange program that you have to buy into. What you get is gas, and they do all of the maintenance on the bottles. I wasn't happy about it, but when in Rome...

Shop around and compare prices. I used to work at a Tractor Supply Co. store, and I seem to recall that our prices were higher than the local welding supply folks. You be the judge.

As for regulators, HF has a very affordable regulator that is incremented in volume/time. Throw in the 20% discount and it pays for shipping. I have one on the way to replace my current regulator that i can't read anymore.

Enjoy!

jake98 · Aug 21, 2011

Yeah Al, I got educated to the ways of the tank world when I bought the more expensive aluminum tanks for my kegerater setup. It was 'wait a week and a half, or take what we have..'
Airgas is local as is TSC, but I think the bigger tanks from Airgas makes the cost of the gas about half the price, so I'll probably go jump thru their hoops and lease one. The welder comes with a regulator flow meter.

kennyd · Aug 21, 2011

What welder are you buying? Most decent gas-ready welders come with the appropriate regulator.

jake98 · Aug 21, 2011

I ordered Hobart's Ironman 230 Kenny.

kennyd · Aug 21, 2011

jake98 said:
I ordered Hobart's Ironman 230 Kenny.

Well, that comes with the gas hookup, regulator and hose. No need to try to use your beer keg one...

jake98 · Aug 21, 2011

kennyd said:
Well, that comes with the gas hookup, regulator and hose. No need to try to use your beer keg one...

I read that CO2 gives a little better penetration, and I have a couple tanks of it, so I was just thinking.. what I read didn't say anything about it being harder to weld with. I'll go with the mixed gas. :thumbsup: I can always go back to the AC buzzbox, if my welds start to look too good..