Let’s talk welding gauges

[mbryson]

I’m wanting to buy a decent of welding gauges for my Co2/argon mix. I think mine are HF units? What’s the best thing to do? Throw down on a name brand and never wonder about them again? Stick with a cheap set? All I’m paying for is a name?

 

[bryson]

I assume you're needing the complete regulator assembly, and not just the gauges? Aside from replacing a gauge that was physically damaged from a drop, I have had zero issues with the ones I got 12 or so years ago from the one and only Jake Mecham at Airgas. I believe they are Radnor brand.

 

[frieed]

I'm a big fan of the floating ball type flow meters.
I've had good luck with these:

HTP® AMERICA Flowmeter

Perfect for all MIG and TIG welding applications, our flowmeter offers an economic alternative for demanding customers who want more precise gas metering. Each flowmeter includes a large, 1-1/2" diameter pressure gauge, which reads from 0 to 4000 psi, so you always know the amount of gas left in...

www.usaweld.com

HTP America® Dual Outlet Flowmeter w/Gas Purge

Perfect for all MIG and TIG welding applications, our dual outlet flowmeter offers precise gas metering for demanding customers. Use out dual outlet flowmeter to hook up multiple machines to the same gas tank or to back purge if you don't have a second tank to do so. Each dual outlet flowmeter...

www.usaweld.com

 

[zmotorsports]

I prefer the flow meters to just a gauge like frieed above.

On my TIG setup I also installed another valve onto the meter side for a purge line.

Mike

 

[POR]

Radner, harris, victor is the cats meow.. anything they sell at the weld shops will give you years of problem free service. If you practice shut gauges off when not in use tye hf stuff would be fine too, i just dont think they meter as accurate.. but who reads those anyway lol

 

[SoopaHick]

Victor you're going to be paying extra for the name for sure. Harris is just as good as Victor but without the "Name Price."

 

[Herzog]

I have a Victor that came with my ESAB. It's a super nice regulator.

 

[astjp2]

Well if you buy a victor gauge, it can be rebuilt if you are having a problem with it. I picked up several pairs off of ebay, dual stage regulators have a more consistent flow, they can be identified fairly easily, google it. Tim
Pawn shops are also good to find regulators at.