mig regulators?

[greg_1939]

Hi all, My regulator is leaking and I need a new one.
They range from 25.00 - 140.00.
Have any of you had any experiance with the 30$ ones.
I have a lincoln sp125? i think?
Mine has the better screw on hose and I notice the cheaper ones have the barb fitting which im not sure if my hose will screw on where the barb goes?

thanks, Greg

 

[boman]

I bought one of these for my son's sp125, and he said it works great...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HTP-Argon-CO2-Mig-Tig-Flow-meter-Regulator-Welding-Weld-/140514184508?hash=item20b74c4d3c

 

[sberry]

They have some of the same basic parts, some of the knobs and gauges are cheaper and there are a couple different styles of valve bodies. The secondary is a hose connection with a barb anyway whether is screws with a clamp of a ferrule.
The machine itself has a utility value with relatively low book value, no reason to simply toss money at it. I an not sure if a guy can actually look at the units but why not try a cheap one and see if it works, probably under a warranty anyway?

 

[trackwelder]

I have a sp125 loaded with 0.23 that I use just for sheet metal. I bought a western enterprise regulator for it on sale at my local welding shop. No real experience with the cheaper regs

 

[kf4zht]

For shielding gas a cheap reg is usually fine. You just need something that flows a relatively normal amount and doesn't leak. If your welding requires precise shielding gas flow its not something that you's be asking on a forum.

Now I do prefer a nicer grade for O/A regs. Having predicable flow and control makes it much easier and safer

 

[JWVan]

From my experience, make sure you check the connections. I went through a few tanks and did not do so. Found out mine was leaking when I used the welding machine. Also, shut off the gas when not in use. I went through a few tanks until I wised up, fairly expensive learning curve . The one I have is $50 to $75 cost. Use a little soapy water and check for leaks.

 

['sallgood]

This is MIG---NOT TIG. Get a basic cheapo reg.It's not that critical. Anything from 8-15-20 lbs pressure will be fine.
Focus more on the length of the nozzle and amount stick out.Zero is good.Too little stick out results in turbulence and ambient breeze possibly mixing with the shielding gas INSIDE the nozzle. Like an umbrella.
This is especially so with the C25 mixes.CO2 is somewhat less of a problem with breeze. More spatter.Not terrible....a little. Better penetration for a little machine like yours.Keep it to 1/8" and less.
If you're screwing with heavier stuff buy a stick machine and learn it.

 

[dogdog]

I bought one of these for my son's sp125, and he said it works great...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HTP-Argon-CO2-Mig-Tig-Flow-meter-Regulator-Welding-Weld-/140514184508?hash=item20b74c4d3c

Hey I have the same gauge for past almost 10 yrs...... that one works great.... only thing is that thing is made for CO2 bottles... you might have to get an adapter from your LWS, if you want to use it on argon bottles.... ...
Yes also have that gauge set that came with the Miller torch contractor foot paddle kit for the Dynasty and the gauge kit that came with Lincoln SP-135 for CO2... still prefer that one better....

 

[DJD]

What shielding gas are you using? If you're using 100% I would get a flow meter with the aluminum fins on it to prevent freezing up. I'm don't know what your welding needs are or if you'd be welding enough freeze a flowmeter but I do know grinding porosity out ***** and you may upgrade your setup in the future. But once, cry once.

 

[justanengineer]

I bought a new Victor regulator earlier this year for my MM200, ~$50 IIRC on ebay. Personally, I prefer one that has a flowmeter vs a dP measurement.

 

[greg_1939]

Thanks for the replys all!!

I just weld mostly sheetmatal on my cars. I use a gas mix.
My welding sometimes isnt the greatest. I turned my welded on to weld up my core support and the welds were terrible. It took me a while to figure out my tank was low. Still had flow on the meter, but it was welding like no gas.
I put on a new tank and then noticed the reg. leaking, but still welded ok with the new bottle.

I found a reg, but havent looked at it yet, locally for about 65.00, so I think I might check it out. Looking at pictures on ebay had me questioning what I was buying.

Thanks, Greg
ps, I havent used garage journal much, but like the jalopy journal, I like it!!!