Oops! How low can you run an Argon gas cylinder and still TIG weld?

[JimGnitecki]

I have been learning to TIG weld, using my first fill of Argon gas in an 80 cu ft cylinder. It started of course at 2000 psi, but is now down to about 550 psi.

When I called to arrange to pick up a refill, the local gas supply shop told me it had a missed delivery his week, and so had NO Argon refileld cylinders available until next week!

I have been told not to run the cylinder down to no psi on the gauge, as that would create problems since the shielding provided by the Argon gas would become unreliable. I'd like to run it as low as I can given the temporary inability to get a refill, but don't want to hurt either my learning or my equipment.

How low can I run the psi in my Argon cylinder before I should stop TIG welding with it?

Jim G

 

[phaxtris]

Once you see the secondary low pressure gauge start to drop off your done, or once you start to get a lot of contamination in your weld...whichever you notice first

There will still be pressure, but not enough to provide you with adequate shielding

 

[JimGnitecki]

Once you see the secondary low pressure gauge start to drop off your done, or once you start to get a lot of contamination in your weld...whichever you notice first

There will still be pressure, but not enough to provide you with adequate shielding

Oh, ok. I can't hurt the torch or the inverter machine? At worst, wreck the weld and the end of the Tungsten?

Jim G

 

[phaxtris]

Oh, ok. I can't hurt the torch or the inverter machine? At worst, wreck the weld and the end of the Tungsten?

Jim G

Pretty much, but you won't even get that far (to ruin the tungsten), with aluminum the contamination starts pretty quickly, you'll see lots of black, and it will almost start to roll

You will see, and it will be obvious, you'll get a lot of contamination and then look back at the gauge and see instead of 15cfh your at 10