Yikes! 
10# 75-25 Argon
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Glen Carbon, IL
10# 75-25 Argon I don't weld much, but recently swapped bottles at a local welding supply to weld in my roll bar. I got it tacked in really well (probably 1 hours worth of continuous welding). I had someone over today to finish the job and the bottle went empty while setting up the welder. I shut the bottle off at the main valve when not in use. Is it normal to only get one hour of continuous welding on a 10# bottle or is it likely that my regulator is shot?
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2008
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depending on what the regulator is set at and how full the new bottle was, at yes it should have lasted a little longer but still its only a 10# bottle. i havent used one that small in years so i dont really remember how long they lasted me. also check for any leaks, i have had exchanged bottles go dead from old worn out valves.
Unfortunately you pay much more for the service of filling than the gas itself so the difference in cost from the little to the big tanks is marginal. Some gasses are expensive and the cost varies a lot by volume but argon and Co2 are cheap
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 61
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From: Redondo Beach, CA
That sounds real premature. 10lbs should last more than a day. Look for leaks.
Also get a bigger bottle. the service charge to fill my 10lb co2 bottle is more than an identical 15lb. It costs $5 more to fill the 10 than the 15. Service fee's are strange.
Also get a bigger bottle. the service charge to fill my 10lb co2 bottle is more than an identical 15lb. It costs $5 more to fill the 10 than the 15. Service fee's are strange.
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From: Glen Carbon, IL
I'm going to switch to a 15# and replace the regulator (it's old).
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Teching In
Joined: Jun 2008
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its the valve stem itself leaking....its funny how many guys forget that high pressure bottles are dual sealing. When closed its sealed, when fully opened (all the way) its sealed. open it a turn or two and its sitting there leaking all the time. This is true for most welding products except acetylene (only open this one a turn or 2 so you can close it quick in an emergency).
Thread Starter
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From: Glen Carbon, IL
Bottle was either open all the way or closed all the way. I stayed with the small bottle. The welder is my dad's and to move up to a larger cylinder would = lease for 5 yrs @ $143. I also replaced the regulator. I have more invested in this welder than he does.
