Your regulator is the same fitting as every argon regulator for c25 gas, regardless of brand. Co2 fittings require an adapter. However we have the issue of you having a 5 lb tank (did I read that correctly? 5 lbs!?!). We will gloss over the fact your tank will run out in less than 15 minutes and won't work realistically. Smaller tanks have different fittings than regular sized tanks which start at 40 lbs and up. The standard fitting size is mc500. Smaller tanks use mc200. Your tank being co2 and exceptionally small, i have no ides what it would use. I have a 10 lb tank that i use an mc500 to mc200 adapter for, and the adapter works great. Can you post a pic of your tank fitting?

 

OMG - 15 minutes! This CO2 is liquid form does that make a difference?

Tank looks like this : https://www.amazon.com/Tank-Aluminu...3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=co2+tank+5&dpPl=1&dpID=31FKduc+jUL&ref=plSrch

 

Yes it does. Like other said that increases it to about 2 hours if you're welding indoors. If outdoors you may need 30+ cfm and the time goes down from there. Since you're just starting trying mig you'll likely blow through it quick practicing.

 

5lb will net about 44 CF

20 cf/hr setting on gauge will get you 2 hours.

 

Thanks Ed - might be worth the cost of the adapter to try it out then. I did find out my 5# CO2 cylinder does have the CGA-320 fitting.

 

You need this adapter

https://www.usaweld.com/Gas-Connector-Adapter-p/99910-ar.htm

DO NOT FORGET THE WASHER.

 

I'd get at least a 40 lb tank. It will last longer than you think and most welding supply stores don't carry anything smaller.

 

The vortex of this hobby is killing my bank account. Started out thinking I could save some money making a mobile base myself for my wood lathe instead of buying with a $85 HF 125Amp AC welder. After discovering this forum I returned the HF welder and now have a Lincoln 180Amp welder. Did some practicing with flux-cored and gotten much better and now again from forum comments thinking of getting a gas cylinder and using MIG on the project. I have gone from justifying a small welder to my wife since it was going to save me around $150 to costing me $150 more than if I bought the base. And if I go gas another $200-$300! (guess I need more projects)

Now for my question - There is a welding supply place that's about a 35 minute trip from work. They will sell me a new 80CF cylinder with argon/CO2 75/25 for $225 and refills are $35 (Airgas is only a mile away but wants twice as much and $77 for refill). I'm new to this, so, is 80CF seem reasonable for weekend hobby use and is $225 fair price for cylinder with gas?

Thanks,

Mike

 

80CF is ok kind of small. You would be much better off gettings a used 125 or 150CF bottle on CL and having it refilled.

 

80cf will last you a month or two with no problem at your pace. I wouldn't buy a 40, it'll run out too quick. Wouldn't buy a 125 unless it was a good deal. You just won't see the benefit at your pace. I have a 125 and i weld several times a week, it lasts me months.

Here is 80 cu




Here is 125 cu

 

A 125 showed up close to me on CL (size-wise I'd rather an 80) . Listed as $200 and half full. Probably can talk price a bit but what do you need to look for?

- how to tell it's half full?
- ask for date stamp?
- thought I read you need papers to prove ownership???


Thanks

 

Price out a 20lb CO2 and refill cost and search your brew community for a used CO2 bottle.

What city are you in?

 

I ended up buying a new 80 CF tank. Should get it this Friday. Looked at #One1's pictures and like the height of the 80 much better for the spot I have to store the welder. My main hobby is wood working and wood turning (and home brewing) so for the amount of welding I think I will do I'm hoping 80 will be sufficient.

Thanks for all the help.

Mike

 

I think it's your best bet. My 125 is brand new and it's nice to have a 2018 tank with new fittings and valves. My 80 lasted me longer than i expected and i use it a lot for a hobbyist, usually daily.... Briefly.

 

When your not at work making sandwiches ( sandwich artist ) or asking " do you want fries with that ". ( Ronald Clown) ???????? You definitely don't weld for a living, Skippy 101