Standard Ar hose connector mod for my 250EX

[5440]

I was looking for a quick way to disconnect my gas hose and wished my 250EX had the standard 5/8" "B" Argon connector so I just added my own. I used the hole that was already present on the bottom of the welder to secure the gas solenoid with one screw which is good enough.

I used the PVC hose for the connection inside but used some crimp clamps I had but the clamps that came with the welder will work in a pinch. I used tie wraps to ensure the hose will not contact anything that will get hot or any screws.

I used the "B" Size 5/8" Right Hand Gas Fitting to 1/4" NPT Male, type AW-15A and got a 1/4" NPT with a barb that was the next size up from a 1/4" along with about 4, SS fender washers from Home Depot. I used a step drill and vacuumed up all the shavings.

I forgot to install the brass nut on the solenoid so I tie wrapped to hose inside so I don't loose it in the future if needed. I turned on the gas and then off and watched for leak down before reassembly...all good! A Little Teflon tape never hurts.

Now the hose connection is standard and I can add length, or a "Y" for a He tank if wanted in the future if needed.

[jakeru]

Nice work. So did you "remote mount" the gas solenoid valve? Was it originally up against the back wall of the machine?

I remember I modified mine a long while back to convert it from the original "male hose barb" into a male compressed air quick coupling. I remember modifying a brass male air coupling and the original hose barb piece, and soldering them together to make it work. I did have the file down the OD of the male compressed air fitting just a bit to allow the original jam nut to fit over it (that retains the fitting to the sheetmetal), but it works and holds pressure for extended periods.

With my machine being a combo plasma and TIG (multiprocess) the quick connection made sense, but I think for a dedicated TIG machine like you've got the "B" connector like you put on is the best choice.

[5440]

Nice work. So did you "remote mount" the gas solenoid valve? Was it originally up against the back wall of the machine?

I remember I modified mine a long while back to convert it from the original "male hose barb" into a male compressed air quick coupling. I remember modifying a brass male air coupling and the original hose barb piece, and soldering them together to make it work. I did have the file down the OD of the male compressed air fitting just a bit to allow the original jam nut to fit over it (that retains the fitting to the sheetmetal), but it works and holds pressure for extended periods.

With my machine being a combo plasma and TIG (multiprocess) the quick connection made sense, but I think for a dedicated TIG machine like you've got the "B" connector like you put on is the best choice.

I mounted the solenoid just like shwon in the picture using a spare hole in the botton of the machine. The screw is the same type (metric?) that is used to secure the black, end grills. I had a sprare screw lying around in the old junk drawer. I may be moving the welder to different jobs and wanted a cleaner/faster way to disconnect the hose and I also love standards so this seemed logical.