Mig welder- bleed the gas or not

[kennyd]

Turn the wire speed all the way down.

DUH...

It amazes me sometimes how things never occur to me until long term usage. I've been releasing the wire tension but that would make things easier without wasting too much wire.

Thanks.

In fact, any other tips for a new user would be appreciated. Like I said, I have 35+ years of welding experience but the wire feed is a relative new animal to me. Most of my previous experience at work was done in the field and at the home shop I just never took the plunge into wire.

I tried this, just this morning in fact on my MM210, the wire still moves when the speed is all the way down.

 

[bikerdib]

I tried this, just this morning in fact on my MM210, the wire still moves when the speed is all the way down.

Yes, the wire still moves but the point is that you will waste the minimum amount. Releasing the tension is the only way to completely stop it. No one has responded to my idea about a tee with a small ball valve to bleed the feed line.

 

[flyerdan]

Having a tee and valve in the line would definitely de-pressurize the line if it was between the regulator and gas solenoid. I'd be worried that it's just another potential problem source for leaks down the road. I've got my drag set light enough that I can stop the wire with my thumb (gloved, of course) for the few seconds it takes to bleed off the line.

 

[sparc]

DAN H, opening the valve all the way is standard procedure for me because I've always done that on my O/A torch.

You do this only on the O2 right?

The fuel gas tank valve should only be opened a turn, two at most.

 

[Shield Arc]

The acetylene valve should only be turned on 1/4-turn. This is for safety, encase you have to turn the acetylene off in a hurry.

 

[bikerdib]

Yes, I am aware that the fuel is only opened 1/4 to 1/2 turn but thanks for pointing that out anyway. I only open high pressure tanks full open and no fuel tanks.

 

[bikerdib]

I may try to find a tee and small brass ball valve. I plan on putting it right at the regulator. That way if it doesn't work I can always remove it and put the line back directly.

 

[bikerdib]

I was not able to find a small valve that can handle the pressure so I guess I'll just turn the wire speed all the way down and do it that way. Thanks again everyone for your tips and input. Now I just need more time melting wire.

 

[bikerdib]

Just want to thank everyone again and especially CNC Dan for his tip on simply turning the wire speed all the way down. It was one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments. I did that Saturday and guess what; it took all of about 5 inches of wire to purge the air from the system when starting up and another 5 inches to bleed the pressure. So simple...

 

[CNC Dan]

Just want to thank everyone again and especially CNC Dan for his tip on simply turning the wire speed all the way down. It was one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments. I did that Saturday and guess what; it took all of about 5 inches of wire to purge the air from the system when starting up and another 5 inches to bleed the pressure. So simple...

Glad to help. So many times I'm the one asking for advice, It's good to be able to help someone else.