How long should it last?

handirifle · May 10, 2011

Well, I did check the tank for leaks, and found none. I was appalled at how fast it went. As for pretty welds with the CO2 Argon mix, vs. the straight CO2, I think the flux core welds look pretty decent, if that's any indicator.

Maybe I will check on the CO2 price.

I will also try to lower the pressure too.

mjncad · May 11, 2011

handirifle said:
I will also try to lower the pressure too.

CFH (Cubic Feet per Hour) is a volume measurement, not a pressure measurement. I run mine at ~25-CFH when welding.

Mark @ Everlast · May 11, 2011

handrifle, is it possible that your gauge reads in metric lpm?

Andrewnewy · May 11, 2011

If your talking ltr/min I run mine at between 15 & 17 ltr/min depending on wind, lasts pretty well, only refill once or twice a year, and I do a lot of weekend welding. Prob go through about 2-3 bottles to 15kg of 0.9mm wire

Flux cored wire sucks, tried that before, ended up going back to a stick welder, easier and cleaner, plus much stronger welds.

Mark @ Everlast · May 11, 2011

Andrew, that's equivalent to about 30 cfh.

Transit · May 11, 2011

Andrewnewy said:
If your talking ltr/min I run mine at between 15 & 17 ltr/min depending on wind, lasts pretty well, only refill once or twice a year, and I do a lot of weekend welding. Prob go through about 2-3 bottles to 15kg of 0.9mm wire

Flux cored wire sucks, tried that before, ended up going back to a stick welder, easier and cleaner, plus much stronger welds.

Have you ever tried using FabShield 21 B not 23 by Hobart?
I find the slag is easy to deal with, it is a brown-orange powered like talk and just brushes off.

http://www.hobartbrothers.com/pdf/datasheets/Fabshield21B.pdf

ptexer · May 13, 2011

My supplier puts the gauges on tanks and makes sure they are filled like they should be before I purchase. I don't keep track of usage. I use CO2 was $20 on last fill up.

handirifle · May 13, 2011

Well I thought it was all psi, just assumed, but will look at the gauges to see. As for the flux core, I seem to actually be able to get good welds more often than with the gas. Of course I am not a real good welder either.

One thing I really have trouble with, using gas/solid wire, is when you're welding inside a corner or tight spot that doesn't allow the gas to shield it very well.

Transit · May 14, 2011

handirifle said:
Well I thought it was all psi, just assumed, but will look at the gauges to see. As for the flux core, I seem to actually be able to get good welds more often than with the gas. Of course I am not a real good welder either.

One thing I really have trouble with, using gas/solid wire, is when you're welding inside a corner or tight spot that doesn't allow the gas to shield it very well.

Flux core runs a bit hotter than the same size solid wire, because the flux core reduces the cross sectional area.
You really need to try Hobart Fabshield 21B.