How to connect a regulator to a flowmeter

[dave diamond]

 

[Robotstar5]

The inlet on the flowmeter (on left) connects to outlet on regulator and the flowmeter outlet (on bottom) goes to welder.

...and welcome to the forum.

 

[Paul.]

A how to, with pictures can be found here, http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/wiki/Setting_up_the_gas

 

[dave diamond]

Hello there!

Thank you for the answers to the posters above. I still have problems though. I know that the outlet of the regulator (I've provided a close-up of the nipple, ooo-eer, matron) fits into the side of the flowmeter, and the outlet goes, well, wherever, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Problem the outlet doesn't fit the inlet, and here's what I know, I could be wrong though : The outlet on the regulator is a 1/8" male flare and the inlet on the flowmeter is a 3/8" female pipe. So there's the problem. Will that outlet come off the regulator? I've tried to detach it, but can't get it off, the spanner just keeps slipping off, must have been fitted by Geoff Capes!

It will save me a few quid as I can cancel the replacement regulator and just buy a couple if nuts or whatever.

Thanks again.

 

[tlovatt]

Where did you get the regulator from - it looks like it may have been intended for connection to rigid pipe?

 

[dave diamond]

I got it from Ebay.co.uk.

 

[tlovatt]

I am going from memory and convention, but I am 99% sure that the correct fitting for a flexible pipe would have an internal cone, not a flared connection - look inside the connector for the flow meter, you will probably find that there is a male cone (i.e. sticks out) which would seat in a female taper if the regulator was correct. The regulator is probably for a piped manifold system. If you can get the correct part, you could unscrew the outlet connector and replace it, but I do not know how much the connector will cost relative the the cost of a new regulator.

 

[Bill Edwards]

If your correct on the sizes required then I think this is what you need:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bsp-Male-...t=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item19e4e8c868

You may need a little PTFE tape to get it to seal, but chances are it'll work.
Alternatively unscrew the wrong fitting that is currently in the regulator. It will unscrew, but you must use the correct (tight) fitting ring spanner or socket. An open ended spanner may work if it is a good fit, but a ring is better.
If you have a good vice use that to grip the flats instead and turn the regulator, it'll come out then.

 

[dave diamond]

tlovatt: The connector on the flowmeter is a female 3/8", I don't think it's a tapered connection. I've been using a adjustable spanner to try and remove the part, but it keeps slipping.
Bill: Thanks for your advice, interesting and useful. I'll search for a ring spanner on Ebay. Don't suppose you know the diameter of a CGA-580 (I think) regulator nut by any chance?

 

[Jim Davey]

It's probably a nitrogen pressure testing regulator you've ended up with by mistake, they usually have a 1/4" flare fitting though.
Your best bet is to seek out an argon/CO2 reg with a standard 3/8" male outlet fitting, then your flow meter will screw straight on.

 

[Bill Edwards]

To be honest, if you will need to buy a spanner (sorry, I don't know what size you need) to remove the wrong fitting and purchase another one to get it together I think you might be better just getting another regulator instead, the cost difference is probably not enough to bother about.

 

[Jim Davey]

That and the fact that modifying a regulator without qualifications/training is both dangerous and illegal means it's just better all round to get the right reg to begin with.

 

[dave diamond]

Hello again!

I'm looking to replace the outlet on the regulator. but can't find one! I don't suppose someone could help, meaning what's it called? It needs to have a 3/8" male end 9to connect to my flowmeter, above).

Thanks.

Edit : Oh, just read the two posts above. I think I should leave it then...just buy another reg.