Quote Originally Posted by Kempy View Post
It is the regulators preset pressure for the flow rate but when you shut it off the set pressure will reach it max pressure on the line to the welders shut off valve and yes it will balloon a little but even an none expanding tube it will do the same thing just a little less. If you do not have the pressure up you will not get the flow rate to the torch head. The pressure is set high because they take in consideration that you might have a 25 foot air or water cooled torch. Some regulators have both pressure and flow rate adjustability.
That is correct. I am not sure how other manufacturers do it, but they don;t blow the big burst of argon out every start. I'll have to take a look at work and maybe borrow a higher end regulator to see if it makes a difference.