Most welders are aware that having clean dry compressed shop air is important for plasma cutting.
But how many welders are aware that moisture in argon welding gas is a big problem, too?
Moisture in argon welding gas causes whiskers on the electrode.
And why is that bad?
Well, for one thing, those little whiskers can deposit themselves in your weld. And if welds are going to be x rayed, tungsten will show up like a light bulb.
But no worries…
You can make an argon dryer for less than 30 bucks. (that’s including the desiccant material you may need to order from ebay)
Using some 1 inch clear braided tubing, some plugs, barbed fittings, hose clamps, and about a pound of blue silica desiccant, I was able to make a welding gas dryer that connects near the flowmeter and shows pink when it has done its job and needs to be replenished.
The video shows exactly how this thing works.
It is about the cheapest and best way to go for a welding gas dryer.
I can just glance at my welding gas dryer and tell if it needs attention. It will stay blue until it starts absorbing moisture.
When it turns pink, I’ll open it up, bake the desiccant until it turns blue again, and then put it all back together.
“Easy Peezy, Lemon Squeezy.”
( And as always, feel free to visit us at our sister site, WeldingTipsAndTricks.com. )
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May 15, 2012 at 2:48 AM
Another great tip mate.
Love the ” music “.
Mor tips more info mate keep it coming please.
March 16, 2012 at 4:49 PM
Jody, How about a tour of the shop when you get the chance. There are a feww projects I have in mind and I just need some ideas on what kind of breaks and presses and things of that nature.
Thank you for all the valuable and helpful info on your site,
Chris
March 16, 2012 at 9:56 AM
good god man how in the name of g do you get your ideas from,? fantastic bet you saw it some where and said I can make one cheaper, talk about us Scots being tight.
By the way $30 is a lot of money