Welding gas = OFF (shop tip)

[Sodo]

Here's a shop tip.

Put a piece of blue tape on the valve knob. Inline with the regulator signifies that the gas valve is CLOSED. That way I can glance from afar and KNOW That I closed it. When you open it, leave it in a different position (other than the "closed" position).

If you back-seat, with some luck the closed position and the open (back-seated) positions are different for your cylinder.

 

[Cord]

My idea is simpler: I hang my helmet from the valve. When I take the helmet off the knob, I turn the gas on. When I put my helmet back, I turn the gas off. Done.

 

[Sodo]

Good plan. Not the simplest though. The simplest is to just “be younger” and have a better memory.

Note if you ever get a TIG...... you have to buy a 2nd helmet.....

 

[orezok]

Good plan. Not the simplest though. The simplest is to just 貔ｱe younger and have a better memory.

I resent that remark! My memory is very good, it痴 just SHORT :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

 

[Sodo]

I resent that remark! My memory is very good, itç—´ just SHORT :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

Tell that to my wife. :thumbsup:

 

[Furu]

Note if you ever get a TIG...... you have to buy a 2nd helmet.....

Why do you say and/or think that?

My helmet works great for all processes. It is sensitive enough to auto trigger for TIG even at the lowest of amp settings (20 amps) and dark enough for the highest amp SMAW (300amp) welding that I do. I have heard some folks complain that their helmets are not sensitive enough to trigger on low amp TIG but mine does just fine. Even my older helmet was good for all processes.

 

[Jeepnford]

I usually hang my helmet on the.........what are we talking about again?

 

[herm0016]

I would do it opposite this, as for most valves, when the indicator is inline, the valve is open.

 

[dragoneggs]

Why do you say and/or think that?

My helmet works great for all processes. It is sensitive enough to auto trigger for TIG even at the lowest of amp settings (20 amps) and dark enough for the highest amp SMAW (300amp) welding that I do. I have heard some folks complain that their helmets are not sensitive enough to trigger on low amp TIG but mine does just fine. Even my older helmet was good for all processes.

I think you missed the point. Helmet on the valve signals it is closed. Helmet not there is open. Need a helmet for each tank?

I learned the hard way on shutting the valve after I replaced my dual dial meter with a flow meter and forgot to close the valve. Lost almost a half a tall tank of C25.

 

[Furu]

I think you missed the point. Helmet on the valve signals it is closed. Helmet not there is open. Need a helmet for each tank?

I learned the hard way on shutting the valve after I replaced my dual dial meter with a flow meter and forgot to close the valve. Lost almost a half a tall tank of C25.

OK got it now.:thumbsup: It was not clear to me what the intent was.:confused2:

 

[Silvic]

I think you missed the point. Helmet on the valve signals it is closed. Helmet not there is open. Need a helmet for each tank?

I learned the hard way on shutting the valve after I replaced my dual dial meter with a flow meter and forgot to close the valve. Lost almost a half a tall tank of C25.

Well using the technique that you state is the point that he missed of a helmet for each tank I see a bit of a problem.
OK
one helmet for the Argon
one helmet for the C25
one helmet for the Oxygen
one helmet for the acetylene
and if you use propane then another helmet.

Minimum of 4 helmets maybe 5.
I now see a new problem with helmet management and valve verification.

 

[k0ua]

This thread is cracking me up!:laughing:

 

[Silvic]

Only if you mean cracking in the sense that you crack the valve on the tank.:laughing:

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

My solution is to just shut them off when I'm done :dance1: lol

 

[Sodo]

But Dave; youre young enough to remember. Its been at least 2 weeks since I was that young. And you actually finish too (Done!).

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

It's true, I didn't get old yet. Only 48 now so I've got time to develop forgetfulness

 

[dragoneggs]

It's true, I didn't get old yet. Only 48 now so I've got time to develop forgetfulness

Actually if played right... forgetfulness can be an positive attribute if not a savior in getting out of hot water as you age. . You just have to start conditioning your subjects before you really start forgetting. :laughing:

 

[Sodo]

Dont tell that to my wife

 

[dragoneggs]

Dont tell that to my wife

Of course not... I haven't told my wife! :laughing:

 

[Sodo]

The other day, before closing the door for 5 days.....I glanced across the shop at my argon tank. The blue tape was inline with the regulator. Didn't have to walk over there and verify its closed. My current thought is this method is a keeper.

Now I worry about the possible proliferation of (other) memory crutches. For example my wife saying "is this blue tape just a scrap or another one of your reminders"? And then, responding that "I'm not sure, but leave it alone in case it is." Thats a ways down the road though....