Using a gas Y for Tig purge line

[worntorn]

I watched a recent video from Jody Collier about welding stainless, backpurging or using a heat sink. In the video I noticed that Jody mentioned the only way to get a purge line set up on a single tank is to purchase an expensive double regulator. Normally Jody's info is spot on but I knew this bit was wrong as I have a y with control valves ($12 Ebay, about $30 new) that works just fine for back purging. I thought everyone did it this way, but apparently not.

I sent a photo of it and explanation to Jody and he was very excited to get the info. He said he would like to post it on his site. For someone as talented as he is, he is completely devoid of EGO, which is refreshing.

Here is the text of the email I sent to him:

"Hi again Jody. I found a picture of the y.

I was thinking about the procedure for setting the flow and realized it is pretty easy.

for example, if you want 2 litres per hr for the purge and 5 for the torch then leave the valve to the torch wide open (always) and set the regulator so that it goes to 7 when you step on the pedal briefly. After the torch postflow stops and the flow gauge has dropped back to zero, open the purge valve until you get 2 on the flow gauge. When welding starts this will jump up to a regulated 7, 5 for the torch and 2 for the purge.

In this way pretty well any settings you want can be achieved."

Glen