Hi, I'm about to move from gasless tacking to proper welding on my chassis, but at the moment the welder is still set up to use disposable gas cartridges. what do I need to do in order to connect to one of these;

http://www.boconline.co.uk/en/products-and-supply/industrial-gases/shielding-gases/argoshield/2-litre-argoshield-light-filled-cylinder/2-litre-argoshi eld-light.html

One of these. I can't see the cylinder on the BOC site for some reason but regulator and pipe can be top or side entry depending on your cylinder valve configuration.

That makes sense, thanks. It is a top entry one by the looks of it, although I will go to BOC first to confirm.

The current valve is on the end of a white tube but has a blue 'top hat' on the end of it, I guess it's some sort of connector but it doesn't seem to want to disconnect. Do I just cut the whole valve off and put the tube into the end of that pipe? Or is there some knack to removing the tube from the old valve?

Edit: Never mind, found a pic, looks like the top hat stays on the valve.

[Edited on 11/6/13 by Slimy38]

5/8" BSP standard regulator - right hand thread, according to their literature.





Something like this to step the pressure down....Regulators are available for around £20. Try your local welding supplies place - they're a helpful trade in the main.

(It may be a side entry bottle so may need a side entry or extended neck regulator but they're all readily available)


Argon &' Co2 mix or Argon Single Stage 2 Gauge Mig/Tig Regulator c/w 6mm tail | eBay

[Edited on 11/6/13 by Litemoth]

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Originally posted by Slimy38The current valve is on the end of a white tube but has a blue 'top hat' on the end of it, I guess it's some sort of connector but it doesn't seem to want to disconnect. Do I just cut the whole valve off and put the tube into the end of that pipe? Or is there some knack to removing the tube from the old valve?

Edit: Never mind, found a pic, looks like the top hat stays on the valve.

[Edited on 11/6/13 by Slimy38]

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And as I discovered, moving from a pub Co2 bottle to Argon requires a different regulator.

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Originally posted by T66
And as I discovered, moving from a pub Co2 bottle to Argon requires a different regulator.

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Originally posted by Peteff

You push the top hat in to release and pull the pipe out at the same time, it's like magic

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BOC do do a hobby gas rate, most dealers do not know or acknowledge this so you will need to google and show them the special offer.

Better off with someone like adams gas or similar, no rental bottles as it all adds up very quickly, BOC will charge collection and delivery from the gas refinery to the dealer.... So even if you collect from your local depot they still screw another £15 out of you.

I got a bottle from Adams dealer, I bought a regulator at the same time. That way you can be sure it all fits and get any silly questions answered at the same time.

Matt

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Originally posted by mark chandler
BOC do do a hobby gas rate, most dealers do not know or acknowledge this so you will need to google and show them the special offer.

Better off with someone like adams gas or similar, no rental bottles as it all adds up very quickly, BOC will charge collection and delivery from the gas refinery to the dealer.... So even if you collect from your local depot they still screw another £15 out of you.

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I've just done a bit of maths on the Adams bottles, per litre of gas it seems to work out almost identical to BOC, but with no annual rental. I don't know if I've understood the prices though, is the bottle deposit on top of the £91 bottle price? And is it £12 delivery per refill or is it £24 for delivery and collection?

I have a Hobbyweld bottle. £50 returnable deposit, no rental. Bigger bottle than you suggest, but easily manageable.
Mine is argon/co2 mix, does a lovely weld. You need the correct regulator for which ever gas you use, gas supplier will advise you.
Been with hobbyweld 2 years now and very pleased with them. Stockist all over Britain http://www.hobbyweld.co.uk/

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Originally posted by Slimy38
[Yes I did notice several references to Argon being provided at much higher pressures and it's advisable to go for a proper Argon specific regulator.

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Mine came from Dixons who are the local to me Hobbyweld outlet


First bottle worked out at £80, with a £37 refund on the bottle and £30 i think to refill the next time


http://www.hobbyweld.co.uk/

A quick search on Ebay has revealed an Adams gas supplier down the road in Telford, the standard £55 deposit and £30 for refill so as long as it's the same fill pressure I'll give them a go.