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Installing the Gas Saver System (GSSTM) Is Simple.  See Schematic and Details Below:

Also Effective for TIG Welders-CLICK

Have a different configuration?

Email:  TechSupport@NetWelding.com

Female CGA "B" inlet gas  fittings are on most Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, ESAB, Linde, L-TEC and most US produced wire feeders, welders.  Female CGA "B"  fittings are also on most US produced regulator flow controls and flowmeters (see note about Hobart Handler below.)  The GSS comes with the male counterpart CGA "B" fitting installed on both ends.  Simply unscrew the existing shielding gas delivery hose and screw in the GSS.  Pictures above show a GSS installed on a Lincoln and another on an ESAB industrial wire feeder.  It simply screws into the female connector on the back.  The following are two examples on smaller size welders:

A 25 foot long GSS (part #; FB25) used in my Home Shop with a large gas cylinder chained to one wall and welder on a movable work cart.  Longer systems can be supplied if needed.  The 160 cubic foot cylinder is the largest my local distributor offers for sale versus renting.  See Perry Thomasson's home shop and comments about his 50 foot long GSS.

This Lincoln 180 amp Welder uses a 4 foot GSS (part #; FB4)  to reduce gas usage and improve weld start quality.

It is simple to install; just unthread existing gas delivery hose from flow control setting regulator/flowgauge to welder and screw in GSS which comes with the same industry standard CGA 032 "B" male fittings.

One end of GSS has a Mylar label indicating it screws into feeder-welder.

With the many short welds and tack welds made in home shops the gas cylinder will last more than twice as long and give twice the warning of running out.  A major benefit on a weekend!

 

Sketch on right  shows the connections. Note male fitting are supplied on both ends of the GSS hose.   Prefitted GSS FB3, FB4, FB6, FB12, FB25 use this connector.

Two Solutions for Wire Feeder/Welder or Gas Supply That Has a Hose Barb or a Hose Comes Out of the Welder:

The wire feeder shown at left has a hose barb connector to attach the shielding gas delivery hose (see yellow arrow.)  This may also be an internal connection with the hose simply exiting the case of the feeder or  welder.   It could also be a quick disconnect fitting or anything other than a CGA 032, "B" fitting. 

There are two methods of installing the GSS in these situations or where the feeder may have a CGA 032 connector but the gas supply does not.  For example, on a gas pipeline where instead of a CGA 032 female connector being available at the pipeline a simple hose barb is used. 

Either of the Following Two Installation Methods Can Be Used When a CGA Fitting is Not Available.  Both Perform Equally to a GSS with CGA "B"  Fittings:

Method 1

We Can Provide the GSS with Splice Fittings at the Same Price as CGA Fittings (Photo Below Right.)

Instead of  supplying two CGA 032 fittings on the GSS (for example, if your welder has a hose barb and your regulator/flowgauge uses a CGA 032 female "B" fitting) we will install a Splice Fitting on the hose end where you do not have a female CGA 032 "B" fitting.  You just cut the existing hose close to the feeder/welder or gas regulator/flowgauge and insert the hose barb at the end of the GSS and tighten the supplied screw clamp. The price will be the same as a fitted hose with CGA fittings, i.e. order a FB3, FB4, FB6, FB12 or FB25 and send an email about the special need.  Just  send the email to TechSupport@NetWelding.com when you place your order and let us know which end or if both need Splice Fittings.  NOTE: the fitting on the feeder/welder end incorporates a surge limiting orifice so we must know which end will have the Splice Fitting.   Include you're shipping address so we can match your email with the PayPal order.

Method 2

Use Special Adapter

An adapter connection method was developed for an automotive manufacturer who uses some wire feeders from Japan.  These wire feeders do not use the CGA 032  "B" connector.  All  flowmeters at their gas supply pipeline were produced in the USA and  use the CGA 032 "B" connector.  Also the fabricator wanted the ability to change wire feeders quickly, interchangeably with US made feeders. We developed a connector which solved the problem.  They cut the existing shielding gas delivery hose close to the feeder and installed our WAT-SFIT-4 connector into their existing short length 1/4 inch ID hose. 

This adapter fitting has a hose barb on one end and a female CGA 032 "B"  connector at the other.  They used standard GSS hose with CGA "B" connectors and simply screw the feeder end into the WAT-SFIT-4 or their other US made wire feeders.  The metal to metal seats on CGA "B" connectors are precision made and less likely to leak.  An adapter is also  available for an existing 3/16 inch ID hose, part number WAT SFIT-3.  If you would like to use this approach, a WAT-SFIT-4 is available on the purchase page and fit either end of a GSS hose.  Click to Contact Us if You Need the WAT-SFIT-3

Have a Dual Wire Feeder with Two Gas Inlets?  

Do you use the same shielding gas for both sides?  We have a special arrangement for this situation.  It is two short GSS's connected to a brass TEE fitting that has a female CGA Inert Gas 032 "B" fitting inlet.  It is part number WAT-DFT.  It comes standard with 1 foot long GSS's with end fittings that include peak flow orifices.  You will need to add a GSS to the inlet of the length to go from the TEE fitting to the gas control device at the pipeline or cylinder.  Order the required length.  We will equip the system with the proper "B" fittings. 

Since we are asked, from time to time, if an FB3 can be connected to an existing gas delivery hose and have the GSS benefits.  The answer is no!  The gas savings comes primarily from the 75% reduced gas volume in the GSS hose compared to a standard 1/4 inch ID hose.  The GSS needs to be full length.

If you need this approach, Contact Us.

Using a Gas Mixer?

We have supplied a number of customers with GSS's that are using gas mixers .  Depending on the type of mixer used, such as simple TEE mixers,  to achieve the gas saving and performance benefits, it may be necessary to use  GSS hose from gas supplies to the mixer and from the mixer to the TIG or MIG welder. More expensive mixing devices may only need the GSS from the mixer output to the welder or wire feeder. Email with the details of what mixer is being used and the lengths of the hoses employed and we'll quote what to purchase.

Hobart Handler

Jason Insley purchased a Hobart Handler that included a Smith Regulator/Flowgauge.  The welder had a female CGA 032 "B" fitting but the gas Regulator/Flowgauge had a hose barb fitting.  Jason removed the barb fitting and although it had a thread that  looked similar to a CGA "B" fitting thread (it is not, it is a pipe tread) he found, as expected, it had a flow control orifice built into the hose barb fitting inlet!  See the top left photo Jason sent. This must remain in place to properly control flow. Jason ordered our part number FB3 (3 foot GSS.) In an email he requested our standard  CGA 032 "B" male fitting on the welder end and a Splice Fitting on the regulator end.   Jason emailed the pictures left and commented: "Everything work fine. And my weld starts have definitely improved since installing the GSS. Thanks again."

Need a Splice Connection on either end?  Just email what you need when you place the order.  A splice connection can be placed on either or both ends for the same price. The one on the welder end has the same peak flow, surge limiting orifice as the "B" fitting.  Performance is identical.

Still Have A Question About The Fittings Needed?

Perhaps this picture will help.

The picture shows two CGA 032 "B" fittings at different angles.  Note the ends have a rounded shape.  It matches the shape of the female fittings that are on most US manufactured MIG and TIG welders and MIG wire feeders.  A female CGA 032 "B" fitting is also used on the outlet of most US made Regulator/Flowmeters, and Regulator/Flowgauges.  Note, the nut is separate and it Does NOT have a tapered pipe tread.  It has a straight thread and only tightens the hose barb end against the mating metal seat in the female fitting on the welder, feeder and gas supply.  If the fitting on your welder or regulator is one piece, i.e. with barb and nut together, like the one that came with the Hobart Handler above, it is likely NOT a CGA fitting so a Splice Fitting should be ordered for that GSS hose end.

 Email If You Still Have a Question

NOTE: Regulator/Flowgauges, (photo below left), like the one on Jason's welder operate by setting gas pressure ahead of a very small orifice. They are calibrated in cubic feet per hour (CFH) NOT psi.  They use a principle called "Choked Flow" which limits the velocity of gas through the small orifice to the speed of sound at the pressure setting.  Depending on  the orifice size, pressures typically vary from 40 to 60 psi.  That small orifice may be in the outlet fitting, like the one on Jason's welder, or could be inside the regulator body.  When gas is flowing, the gas pressure drops across the orifice to typically 3 to 6 psi in the gas delivery hose.  When welding stops, gas continues to flow through the orifice and quickly fills the hose with 4 or 5 times the amount of gas until the pressure equals the pressure setting.  That stored excess gas is what causes the "Blast of Gas" at each weld start or when you are just inching the wire to cut off the end or position it in the weld joint.  This not only wastes gas but pulls air into the gas stream creating excess spatter and possibly internal weld porosity.

HOME SHOPS With Small OD Gas Hose

Does your welder have a very small (5/32 inch) outside diameter gas hose exiting the case? Would you like to extend it to use a larger gas cylinder?   A special PrestolokR fitting allows the GSS  hose to connect to the nominal 5/32 inch outside diameter gas hose supplied with some smaller welders and regulators (see photo on left).  We can supply that fitting on the welder end and a CGA 032 "B" fitting on the end that fits the new cylinder gas control device you'll purchase with the larger cylinder.  Or we can supply the PrestolokR on both ends of the hose.  Just cut the original hose and splice in the GSS.  It will include a surge restriction orifice on the welder end.   With this kit a large cylinder  can be purchased and chained to the wall of the shop and the welder moved 25 feet away if you purchase an FB25 and ask for the fittings you need to be installed. 

Just Email Your Special Needs:

Using a TIG Torch with a Foot  or Hand Off-On Gas Control?

Our Gas Saver System (GSS) can save money and improve weld starts.  The initial gas flow surge at a TIG start, in addition to wasting gas, can cause the arc to move unpredictably, This movement is especially a problem at low starting currents.  The turbulent shield created by the gas surge pulls air into the shielding gas stream causing contamination not just of the weld but also the tungsten electrode, shortening life and requiring more frequent dressing.  Our GSS eliminates the excess "gas blast" at each weld start and limits the peak surge flow rate. It still quickly supplies a controlled amount of extra gas to purge the TIG cup and weld start area. It can also reduce the needed preflow time often used in attempt to counter the high initial gas surge.  The patented GSS will not interfere with your flow settings and has no moving parts to maintain or adjust. Just install it between your cylinder (or pipeline supply) and welder (or TIG box) that contains the gas control solenoid (See Schematic).

Here is a comment from Terry, who owns a FAB shop in California, about the use of our GSS for his TIG welders:

"Received and tested the GSS and compared it to a "low pressure gas saver" on my TIG welders where we mix helium into the argon stream. Mixing the two gases is particularly difficult with the low pressure device. Your hoses eliminate the difficulty and produce the same reduced surge and gas savings results."  Terry has purchased GSS's for his TIG and MIG welders.

Note: See these links providing information about low pressure "surge reducing devices" which create more problems than they solve! 

Why "Low Pressure" Surge Reducing Devices Don't Work!  

Also See Video

 Have a Question About Your TIG Set-Up? Email

 

Have a harsh environment?  Need to protect your Control Cable from Feeder to Power Supply or Gas Hose?  Our leather Cable and Hose cover may be just what you need.  Check out the Details

Other Installations Questions, Please Send Email by Clicking on Subject 1, 2, or 3 Below:

1. Using a Pipeline Supply and want options for the best way to control shielding gas flow?

2. Do You Wish to Limit the Maximum Allowable Flow?

A Flow Rate Flow Limiter Can Be the Answer.  CLICK HERE.

3. Have Other Questions About Installation?  Please Specify in an Email; Include your address.

 

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Save over $1000 per year per welder and improve weld starts with Payback measured in weeks!!
* US Patent  # 6,610,957;  "Welding Shielding Gas Saver Device" August 26, 2003;  Canadian Patent # 2,455,644.  
 The "Flow Rate Limiter" device is covered by 2008 US patent # 7,462,709.  Other site material may be covered under Patents # 7,015,412; # 7,019,248 or # 8,104,094
Questions?   Send E-mail TechSupport@NetWelding.com    Or See Contact Us
Last modified: 03/23/13

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