Regulator Calibration

[FGeiger]

I've purchased several Everlast TIG machines for my business and one of the units came with what seems to be a calibration tool for shield gas flow. It is a clear sight glass with a specific location for the steel ball to be but there is no reference in any of the manuals for the tool or what the flow rate on the regulator should read when the ball is in the target zone. using this toool, I have up to 30 psig variation from regulator to regulator. Is there any documentation of how to use this tool?

[Rambozo]

I've purchased several Everlast TIG machines for my business and one of the units came with what seems to be a calibration tool for shield gas flow. It is a clear sight glass with a specific location for the steel ball to be but there is no reference in any of the manuals for the tool or what the flow rate on the regulator should read when the ball is in the target zone. using this toool, I have up to 30 psig variation from regulator to regulator. Is there any documentation of how to use this tool?

AFAIK those test tools are packed with the plasma cutters to check for proper air flow. Is one of your's a multi process machine?
TIG flowmeters measure volume and most regulators are set to a fixed pressure between 30 and 80 psi.
Depending on the type of torch and cup you will typically adjust to 10 - 25 CFH (5 - 12.5 LPM).

[FGeiger]

Thanks, actually used it to check the argon flow comparison between 2 regulators. (same torch setups) I had one welder that was very sooty in the puddle, so I checked the flow on a regulator that welded well, marked it, in the tool, then checked the regulator on the sooty welder flow. Once I matched the flow on the tool, there was a 20 SCFH difference. I had to turn the sooty machine regulator from 12 to 35 to attain the same flow and a clean puddle. Is there an actual tool you could sell to calibrate the regulators. both regulators are Everlast regulators.

[Rambozo]

Thanks, actually used it to check the argon flow comparison between 2 regulators. (same torch setups) I had one welder that was very sooty in the puddle, so I checked the flow on a regulator that welded well, marked it, in the tool, then checked the regulator on the sooty welder flow. Once I matched the flow on the tool, there was a 20 SCFH difference. I had to turn the sooty machine regulator from 12 to 35 to attain the same flow and a clean puddle. Is there an actual tool you could sell to calibrate the regulators. both regulators are Everlast regulators.

Sounds like you might have one that is really marked in LPM. (Most older Everlast are in LPM) They should not be that far out. If you have the rotameter type, those are the tools you use for calibration. I've never seen one that isn't spot on, but most of mine are top brands. Bottom line if you have a gauge you can't trust, throw it away and get one you can. Also note that some have different scales for different gases, so make sure you are reading the correct one.

[FGeiger]

Ya, I've been a career welder for 43 years, aware of the variety of markings for different shield gasses. The regulators are Everlast, all the same. Actually what I guess am looking for is a tool to attempt to calibrate on my own.