Powertig 185 argon surge

[Ronin8002]

Hey guys,

I purchased a Powertig 185 a month ago and have just recently gotten around to using it more. Only thing I don't like is the argon comes out of the torch in a big "whoosh" when I first start the arc, then it settles down. I realize that some preflow is necessary, but what I am experiencing seems excessive and a waste of gas.

I've tried shortening the gas supply hose that came with the welder down to about 14", but I'm still having the issue. Will another type of hose fix this issue, or do I need some sort of flow restrictor?

I'm using a Victor HRF 1480-580 flowmeter regulator....believe the delivery pressure setting is 25 psi.

Thanks for any help you all might be able to provide.

[Kevin Caron]

Pressure is too high for one thing...

Set the top of the ball to read 12 to no more than 15 on the meter..

[Ronin8002]

Pressure is too high for one thing...

Set the top of the ball to read 12 to no more than 15 on the meter..

Thanks for the reply. I am seeing this surge effect at 10 CFH and lower as well. But I was referring to the pressure that the regulator is putting out, not the flow.

I did find one post on this forum where a guy mentioned the same problem and that replacing the supplied hose with a "quality 3/16" hose" fixed it, so I guess that means your typical inert gas hose will work. I'll head over to the welding supply store next week and try it....will report back with results.

[Grandslam99]

My PP256 also does the same thing. The hose supplied with the machine/s is LONG and if I remember correctly is larger than 3/16”. Double check the hose barbs diameter that you presently have to ensure your replacement hose will fit over them. There also is a gas saving hose with an orifice in it, see http://netwelding.com/ that may solve your issues.

[Rambozo]

Hey guys,

I purchased a Powertig 185 a month ago and have just recently gotten around to using it more. Only thing I don't like is the argon comes out of the torch in a big "whoosh" when I first start the arc, then it settles down. I realize that some preflow is necessary, but what I am experiencing seems excessive and a waste of gas.

I've tried shortening the gas supply hose that came with the welder down to about 14", but I'm still having the issue. Will another type of hose fix this issue, or do I need some sort of flow restrictor?

I'm using a Victor HRF 1480-580 flowmeter regulator....believe the delivery pressure setting is 25 psi.

Thanks for any help you all might be able to provide.

25 psi is about the lowest you should go. What you are looking for is choked flow, and that will happen above 25 psi for flow rates around 10-15 CFH. There are a lot of ways to combat that issue. A short, small diameter, non-expanding hose will help a lot. Since that machine does not have a preflow control, you can't crank that up. I am not a fan of them, anyway, and there is a technique that will take care of the issue. It is easiest with a foot pedal, but you can adapt it to a torch switch as well. Make sure you have some postflow dialed in. Then while holding the torch away from the work, tap and release the pedal. This will start the post flow timer. Now move the torch into position and then press the pedal to start your arc while the post flow timer is still going. You will get a very crip and precise arc start, with no delay and the weld area will have good shielding, so there will be no issues with porosity at the start of the weld.

[Ronin8002]

Great information, thanks everyone! I'm going to change out the hose tomorrow (will probably end up having to downsize the fittings also) and report back with how it goes.

[Ronin8002]

OK, so I've pretty much resolved the issue now. The hose barbs are approximately 1/4". I decided to stay with that size since the one on the machine does not appear to be removable without taking off the housing to get to the gas solenoid inside. Anyway, got some 3/16" argon hose and managed to push it onto the barbed fittings (very tight fit). Right away I noticed a huge difference in how much less the gas surges when starting the arc, so I think the softer wall hose was mostly to blame. The initial surge now has been reduced to a level that seems reasonable. I'll have to play with it a bit more to see if I like it....if not , I'll just use the workaround you recommended Rambozo. Thanks everyone for the help!