Gas equipment

Choose the regulator according to the gas and the cylinder valve. Argon and mixed gases have their own regulators, and an oxygen regulator, for example, must not be used for other gases. A regulator with a flowmeter shows gas consumption directly in litres per minute, which is more practical than a pressure reading alone.

For TIG welding a typical flow rate is 6–12 l/min depending on cup size; for MIG/MAG welding it is 10–18 l/min. Too much flow does not improve shielding; it causes turbulence that draws air into the weld pool.

Check hoses regularly. A leaking connection shows up as increased consumption and a porous weld, and it is the most common cause of unexplained quality problems.