I've been running 35psi and it seems like I've been going through way too much Co2-argon mix. Could I get by running less PSI thus consuming less gas?

You only need enough to shield the weld
I set mine 10-12 lpm , thats the setting I can remember from school, would need more if welding outside in the wind!

best thing is to set your welding current and wire speed, then turn the gas right down so and try welding, if its crap, ie- seems porous or with visible bubbles etc turn up the gas, and keep trying until you get a good clean weld.

russ.

When TIG/MIG I set mine to 10. If there is ever so slight breeze I up it to 15. If it is so windy that needs higher flow rate then I just quit.

Also a very high flow rate can cause interference sometimes, I've observed.

Hi,

My advise would be to get yourself a flow meter.
You can justify the cost by the gas you will save.

Regulating gas flow by pressure depends on the size of the pipe it flows through.
Regulating by flow will allways be spot on.

Since your on the other side of the pond your settings might be in cubic feet/hour,
in which case 10 l/min (as quoted above) = 22 cubic feet/hour.

I use TIG and have a twin flow meter set up. ( The second one is for backing gas )
(see pic)

Hope this helps.

ATB Paul G
Rescued attachment Lotus 089.jpg

Turn your wire feed to 0 or disengage the roller and hold the torch next to your ear with the trigger pressed. Turn the regulator knob till you can just hear a whisper and then turn the wire back on and try welding. If you set it with the solenoid shut the flow will drop when it opens and you then automatically turn it up and usually get it too high. Get a decent regulator as the cheap SIP and Clarke ones feed in bursts.

I've just upgraded my gas and asked the same question of the BOC chap. He recommended starting at 14 l/min and working down until it starts to notice then back up a little.