Currently have MIG welder and will maybe eventually purchase a TIG. From what I can tell people run multiple machines on a single shielding gas tank. Looking for some advice on parts/fittings to make this work? Home shop so would only be running one machine at any given time.
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Splitting single Argon tank to run 2 welders
- Thread starter bedehaan
- Start date
- Replies 14
- Views 7,533
Arc-On
Aluminum
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2011
- Location
- Holland, MI
They make dual independent flowmeters, but mig and TIG have separate shielding gases.
Expensive little part. if I were to use a single flowmeter, any cheaper alternative or is dual flow meter the way to go (would only be using single machine at a time)?
It was my understanding they both can use Argon or do you have a different recommendation?
moonlight machine
Diamond
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2007
- Location
- marysville ohio
TIG uses argon for the most part. MIG uses argon co2 mix.
OK. Understood. Sounds like might just have to settle with the 2 tanks then.
Graham Gott
Aluminum
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2010
- Location
- Iron Station, NC
You probably want two tanks anyway so you can run them pretty well out before taking them back for more gas. I have two large argon cylinders for my TIG and it's nice not having to worry about running out at a really inopportune time. I do deal with a welding supply shop that does customer owned cylinders so having two doesn't cost me anything beyond the initial purchase...if yours are leased the additional fees might be a concern.
moonlight machine
Diamond
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2007
- Location
- marysville ohio
If you are serious about welding you need spare cyls. I have 3 argon, 2 argon co2, 2 acetylene and 2 oxygen.
Well, no.
You can equip each machine with a quick coupler and move the hose
as needed.
But if you need the mix for MIG, you can buy a Smith Mixer, and get a small bottle of CO2.
Available cheaper (than your LWS) at fire extinguisher shops.
(the smith mixer though is terribly expensive new, search ebay for used)
Or roll your own mixer from (2) regulators with the ball type flowmeters, and a "tee" fitting.
Search on Weldreality.com for the details if desired to go that route.
moonlight machine
Diamond
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2007
- Location
- marysville ohio
Cheaper and less trouble to just get the correct gas cyls.
Not for me it aint....
I own my CO2 bottles, get them filled very inexpensively.
I have about 4 co2 bottles (from 5lb portables to 20 lb aluminum ones)
And 2 large argon bottles.
So I always have at least (1) bottle of argon and CO2 around.
I can switch to any ratio with a simple twist of the dial, go from tig, to flux core mig, short arc mig, spray arc mig etc.
Steve in SoCal
Titanium
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2006
I have a Smith mixer for Ar/CO2 as well, my gas supplier is 60 miles away and I can blend any ratio for mig welding on the fly. I also have an Ar/He mixer for tig welding. Out in the hinterlands being self sufficient is just part of being here.
Steve
Steve
PlasmaOnTheBrain
Cast Iron
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2012
- Location
- Albany Ny USA
Aluminium mig uses pure argon 
Yeah, but if you have a TIG why oh why would you contemplate migging alu???
That said, i have been toying with a small mig for steel for a while, would love to go the mixer route, but its probably just cheaper to buy in mig mix in its own bottle for a long long time!
That said, i have been toying with a small mig for steel for a while, would love to go the mixer route, but its probably just cheaper to buy in mig mix in its own bottle for a long long time!
Because sometimes you just need to get work done. $/inch of weld, TIG is a high dollar solution that often the job won't support.
Mud
Diamond
- Joined
- May 20, 2002
- Location
- South Central PA
If you still want a splitter, you can use one like this - Inert Gas "Y" Valve Argon Western # 411
I have one around here somewhere I'll never need again, let me know if you want me to look.
I have one around here somewhere I'll never need again, let me know if you want me to look.