Noobie with a regulator/hose query

[DJS911]

Morning all,
I have been lurking and reading for a while but have now taken the plunge and formally joined you guys. The knowledge available here is immense and I've learnt a huge amount already just by reading - thank you!

I have now taken delivery of my Clarke 151 TE MIG welder and the reason for getting a welder is to restore the bodywork on my son's newly acquired Mini restoration project - he's only 13 but has been hankering after a Mini for a long time now and our plan is to have it on the road before he's 17.

The BOC/Volkszone deal for a Y of Argoshield appears fantastic but can someone give advice on the type of regulator and hose I will then need please? Can I assume that any Argon or Argon/CO2 regulator will suffice but then what type/size of hose and fittings will I need from the cylinder to the welder? At the moment it's got the standard narrow bore plastic hose and disposable gas cartridge.

Many thanks for your help in advance!

 

[Wallace]

Welcome to the forum. What you need is an argon type regulator with a hose adaptor to 4mm plastic like this one, Weldequip (and others) sell them and the parts can be bought separately to make your own. To save wasting gas which is easily done when learning a flowmeter is worth it's weight, either a fixed type that attaches to the regulator like this or the 'peashooter' type like this which is used at the torch end.

I don't think your Mig has a big enough platform on the back to support a Y size gas cylinder so a bottle stand or welding cart that can accept the bottle and Mig would be a useful addition, usually made as a first project to practice on. Saves the potential bottle falling over hazard and the regulator becoming a casualty or you if the cylinder cock gets broken off!

 

[DJS911]

Thanks Wallace for your response that's really useful. You're certainly right re: inability to hold a Y cylinder on the back of the welder so a trolley sounds a cracking idea.
Just one more question before I order the regulator - will the cylinder outlet be horizontal or vertical on a Y of Argoshield?
Thanks again!

 

[the snooper]

Thanks Wallace for your response that's really useful. You're certainly right re: inability to hold a Y cylinder on the back of the welder so a trolley sounds a cracking idea.
Just one more question before I order the regulator - will the cylinder outlet be horizontal or vertical on a Y of Argoshield?
Thanks again!

it will be horizontal

 

[Wallace]

What bottles do you have Snooper? Both of my Y size bottles (Argon and Argoshield) have a vertical outlets.....