flow meter, mask

[tracer]

is a flow meter needed for gas bottles or can just the gauge be used?

and what is recommended?

also

what auto darkening mask is good + what prices do they sell for?

will be used for mig and tig

 

[English Steve]

If you have a two gauge regulator on your bottle, one will be bottle pressure and the other will be flow, so you really don't need another (assuming we're talking MIG). I generally set the flow at 10litres/min on mine, and adjust from there.
Regarding auto helmets, try sending a PM to Weldequip on this forum for a quote, or take a look at DIYWelding who is also on this forum.

 

[tracer]

there is only 1 gauge on the mig unit(sealey supermig 170/1)

 

[English Steve]

Is that using the small disposable bottles? If it is, you will probably need to open the regulator fully to get the required flow - they are notoriously unhelpful regs!
For TIG, a peashooter type flowmeter is generally recommended but I don't currently have a TIG set so can't recommend anything there.
If it's a full size bottle then you may as well get a two gauge regulator for the MIG - a PM to Weldequip will get you a very reasonable quote and some good advice.