For inert gas I use 25ft sections of air hose, I made pigtails on my machines and regulators, can switch gas using regular air fittings. These are dedicated hoses not used with my compressor or air tools.

 

Great, thanks!

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Is polyurethane ok though?

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Yes, I have a couple coil hoses I use at job sites. Co2/c10/75-25/argon will be fine.

 

Thanks

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The smaller the ID of the hose, the better. The hose will pressurise up to the pressure of the regulator, and then blast out at regulator pressure (often 25PSI) with each solenoid start. Less volume in the hose means less wasted gas.

 

I almost hate to say this, but my LWS claims this is some type of urban legend, and that even if it was so that it adds up to so little in the end that it is not worth worrying about.

They seem knowledgeable and are very helpful to me, but when I asked them about this they claimed there have been people claiming this idea for years, but nobody has ever shown enough proof to make it convincing, and weren't just saying that to keep me buying more gas. More so I should dispel the idea.

How much of a difference in gas usage? In the past I've read of up to 40% savings. Even 20% would be such an enticement that I would think small hoses would be the norm. I also know the stainless wrapped cables are pretty small, but those are really costly, and some claim those will save gas.

Gas ain't cheap, I am currently going through a 125cfm tank in about 1-2 months.

Have you guys done careful accounting on the gas and know you are really saving in usage?

What type of hose do you use that you see the savings on?

 

I can't even see this being anything to be concerned about? You will waste a lot more in pre and post flow then a little bit in a 3/8 compared to 1/4 inch 10ft line. The volume differnce is minimal for those lengths. I would worry more about making sure there are no leaks and the valve is closed when you are done welding.