My C25 CGA 580 MIG welder regulator blew out today - anyway to fix it?

[Sodo]

If there is no diaphram, how does it drop the tank pressure to a safe level?
Or does it give full tank pressure on the output side?

I believe these have an internal non-adjustable regulator built-in.

And therefore you should still try to open the tank slowly.

You're right it must have a regulator, but I don't know if its a diaphragm or fragile. I shouldn't speculate on the toughness. But it certainly doesn't "slam" the needle or overstress a bunch of tiny gear teeth etc (thus risk calibration). This would be interesting to "know".

I hear you on retaining the habit ----- of opening 2,000+ psi tanks slowly.

 

[CNC Dan]

You're right it must have a regulator, but I don't know if its a diaphragm or fragile. I shouldn't speculate on the toughness. But it certainly doesn't "slam" the needle or overstress a bunch of tiny gear teeth etc (thus risk calibration). This would be interesting to "know".

I hear you on retaining the habit ----- of opening 2,000+ psi tanks slowly.

If someone has a broken one, they could take it apart and show us what's inside.

 

[Sodo]

If someone has a broken one, they could take it apart and show us what's inside.

,,,,,errrrr got one but it's at my shop 100 miles away. Dan how do you know me so well? :laughing:

I'm curious and would take it apart if I had it here. I looked in Google images for a diagram or how it works but couldn't figure out what search terms to use, maybe Bruce can find it.

 

[FTG-05]

Sigh....

The Airgas web site has an error: They show a Western RP30580 as an adjustable, two gauged Argon CGA580 regulator. Western part # RP 30580 is actually a preset fixed regulator with no gauges. That's not what I want. I've asked for a refund since it's clearly their fault for not having an accurate web site store site.

Back to square one: Looking up the HTP regulator discussed above now.

Crap!

 

[Sodo]

If someone has a broken one, they could take it apart and show us what's inside.

No diaphragm. I suppose this means you could cultivate a bad habit & open the valve quickly with this regulator. And yhe benefit you get from that is if the ball doesn't jump then your MIG held pressure. And if thsts the case, you didn't have to close the valve. FWIW,,,,,

 

[CNC Dan]

No diaphragm. I suppose this means you could cultivate a bad habit & open the valve quickly with this regulator. And yhe benefit you get from that is if the ball doesn't jump then your MIG held pressure. And if thsts the case, you didn't have to close the valve. FWIW,,,,,

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/welding/438455-my-c25-cga-580-mig-image-jpg"/>

Hmm. Uses a piston instead of diaphram. Looks like it wouldn't be too hard to replace O-rings, or inspect the seat. I wonder if the seat could be damaged by opening the valve too quick.

 

[BukitCase]

My last 35 years in industrial maintenance showed me that there's pretty much NOTHING that BENEFITS from shock loading of ANY kind (other than production workers who want an extra break )

Your choice, but I've seen firsthand that DEATH is one of the possibilities of ignoring this... Steve

 

[yomax4]

A lot of high end high pressure regs use the piston technology. It's a better mousetrap.

 

[k0ua]

I have one of those regulators from USA welds, also. It seems to work well, and the price was certainly right. I will continue to open the tank valves slowly. It was the way I was taught and I see no benefit to cranking them open rapidly.

 

[BukitCase]

Good choice James - I tend to get a bit "preachy" on this subject, mainly because I've really enjoyed a lot of the 49 years I would have MISSED if my head had been about 3 inches to the left -

Our shop "welder" got a new Oxy tank in, moved his regulator over to it, cracked the tank valve and the Tee handle came out of the regulator, missed my head by a small amount and blew through two walls (4 layers of plywood) and bounced off the hood of a parked car outside the shop

I then found a safety pamphlet put out by Victor, and found out the "welder" musta had too much shade under his "shade tree" - He NEVER backed off regulators when done, it was "too much trouble".

Shortly after that I joined the Army, figured it was safer getting SHOT at (at least, you KNEW it was coming )... Steve