Purging primary's before TIG welding.

I had a thought. Instead of getting another tank to purge my primary tubes before welding, could I plug off both ends and add fittings to plugs the same size as the hose to the TIG welder, fit hose from bottle to one end, then run a hose from the other end to the machine. I imagine I'd have to tape off the joints to be welded except for the one I'm going to weld, helping to keep to much gas from escaping. Or do you think it would still draw outside air into the mixture before it gets to the machine?

David

Go to TigDepot.com and buy an regulator with 2 flowmeters--then you just need a piece of airhose with a standard quick disconnect to hook to a air hose barb screwed inti a plumbing plug( expandable tapered plug)--hit the tig a time or two to blow out the inside and start welding--it will feed argon in every time you trigger torch and also during the after purge--if you need some pics , I'll take a few---

Thank Jerry. The local shop I bought the Miller from didnt understand what I was wanting to do. I didn't know they made regulators like that. I just told them I wanted to tee the output and he said it couldn't be done without affecting the flow rate. Thanks so much.

David

I believe you can use a regulator from a mig welder

i used solar flux on ss tube all others i just tig with no purging with gas as never seen a need for it .i tig for many years i am far from the best but far from the worst the other guy in the shop is abit better then me he tigs more then me he never purgs with gas and his stuff is flying up in the air. i do not do it as cost to fill a tank of gas is $$ i can not see using any more then needed

Pat,

When you don't purge the tubes how do they look inside? Are you butt welding pieces without a filler rod? Tomorrow I'll play with a couple scrap pieces without gas and see how it turns out.

Charlie,

You are right. I can use my MIG bottle and was going that route verses buying a third bottle. But i really wanted to use the same bottle in case I'm using my MIG at the same time. I jump around a lot....A.D.D. LOLs.

My buddies gave me a hard time about having two bottles but I like the idea of knowing that if one runs out I still have one to fall back on so I don't have to stop and have it refilled. More convenient.

David

tube looks ok inside with tig with or with out filler rod i try allways keep a very tight fit up... light tight .two things to do watch heat . if tube is closed up some guy drill a 1/8 hole by the weld then fill it this some times it help let out and burnt gas keeps the weld from pitting when your allmost welded up wipe all tube clean i use lacquer thinner ..clean no oils on rust no scale do not use brake clean it can make you very sick or just plain kill you.. OH i have two bottles as well my bottles are only for pure argon do not think about welding with a Co2 mig mix only argon or helium or a mix of the two

Thanks Pat. Will do.

David