i splashed out and got a small set of tig aesthetics purge plugs.
damn it works better than i thought. kinda expensive, especially as i don't weld a whole lot, but i'm doing a bunch of stainless tubing parts for work and gas here is $$$$. i've dropped purge down to 1l/min (the minimum on my reg) and got zero colour. only curse is the pipe keeps leaning over wanting to come out. tho i see there is some fittings around that help with that. whole lot easier than foil, but still need foil on some parts as the weld is to close to the end to fit purge plugs.
my welding is no better, at least its now cheaper.
i forgot my mistake.
strangely enough the larger mesh goes in the small bungs and the smaller diameter mesh goes in the big one. back to front.
just wish they put that on some paper in the packet.
struggling to get the mesh in, its probably the wrong size.
thx arno.
i have seen those style of purge plugs being sold for welding. they look like they would grip the pipe really well.
but for me i do a lot of short fittings so they have to take the heat.
I've not had to attempt to purge anything since school when I was doing a 6G certification test and I was never able to submit a test because it kept sugaring inside. They were attempting to duct tape a hose to my piece.
I've always wondered how much gas loss should be expected when doing a purge. I guess the regulator mitigates it somewhat, but unless you're like _really_ on it, you don' t have the benefit of automatic shut off like you do the torch, so I'm guessing it's a bit more?
Mathius wrote: ↑Sun Apr 19, 2026 1:23 pm
I've not had to attempt to purge anything since school when I was doing a 6G certification test and I was never able to submit a test because it kept sugaring inside. They were attempting to duct tape a hose to my piece.
I've always wondered how much gas loss should be expected when doing a purge. I guess the regulator mitigates it somewhat, but unless you're like _really_ on it, you don' t have the benefit of automatic shut off like you do the torch, so I'm guessing it's a bit more?
gas usage varies a lot depending on what your welding and the size/shape of it. the flow rates can vary a lot.
there is a few things you can do to minimize that, like making a dam inside. tho make sure you can get it out. there is also cellulose tape that dissolves in water, so you just pour water down it and wash it out.
some guys fit a valve at the bench so they can turn it off manually to save gas.