
I was trying to assemble cheap TIG welders and was completely confused about gas regulators from the start. I think (hope) I'm fine now. I guess I'm used to seeing oxy-acetylene regulators that have (as far as I recall) gauges for tank pressure and outlet pressure, and a knob or T-handle for pressure adjustment. Initially I thought I needed something similar for TIG. So I saw this controller for TIG and had a lot of questions. I've seen what looks like a needle valve for flow, but with no pressure adjustment. I saw the flow meter but there is no pressure gauge on the outlet. I remember seeing flow meters on TIG welders before. At some point I was wondering if it's even a controller or if I need two controllers in series! Well, here's my understanding: This regulator is factory set at a fixed pressure, much like a gas grill regulator. It's set at about 50psi, so no adjustment knob or gauge is needed. It's just pressure for what it is. The little knob actually controls the flow, and the flow meter measures that flow at a default set pressure. There is a pressure gauge in the tank because you need to determine how much gas is left in the tank. In other words, this relatively simple thing is all I need to regulate gas pressure and flow. Anyway, I'm still assembling the TIG torch and other parts, and the weather is getting cold here, so I probably won't be able to try it. that's until next spring. At this time of year there is no point in filling up a tank. So far I can only say that the device was well packaged and looks good.