The Forney 85363 regulator kit is an Argon/CO2 regulator with a brass body and dual-scale gauge, sold for MIG welding and also described as suitable for TIG. It is worth considering if you need a replacement or first regulator for a gas-shielded wire-feed welder using argon/CO2 mix or CO2 cylinders. Skip it if you need an oxygen or acetylene regulator, because those are different and not interchangeable. The Forney 85363 argon/CO2 regulator kit controls shielding gas for MIG welders.
This Forney 85363 regulator review is based on the Amazon listing and retailer descriptions, not hands-on testing. Check the listing for exact kit contents, since weights and accessories are described differently in places.
Forney 85363 regulator kit specs at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Forney 85363 Argon/CO2 regulator kit |
| Gas | Argon, CO2 and argon/CO2 mixes (not oxygen or acetylene) |
| Gauge | Dual-scale gauge; brass body per listing |
| Hose barb / hose size | 5/32 in per product title |
| Use | MIG welding; also described as suitable for TIG |
| Cylinder connection | Typically CGA 580 on US argon and mix cylinders; verify yours |
| To verify | Exact flow range, max inlet pressure, hose and adapter included |
What this regulator kit is and who it suits
A welding gas regulator reduces high cylinder pressure to a steady, usable flow for your welder. For MIG and TIG, the setting is usually read as flow in cubic feet per hour (CFH), so a flow gauge or flowmeter is common.
- Good for: garage MIG welders, replacing a worn regulator, setting up a flux-core-to-gas conversion.
- Less suited to: oxy-acetylene work, CO2 bottles that need a heated regulator at very high flow, or industrial duty.
How to check it fits your setup
- Cylinder connection: US argon, CO2 and argon/CO2 cylinders commonly use a CGA 580 valve, but verify yours. CO2 cylinders in some regions differ.
- Gas type: This is for inert/shielding gas. Do not use it on oxygen or fuel gas cylinders.
- Hose size: The title lists 5/32 in. Confirm that your welder’s gas hose fitting matches, and use proper clamps.
- Welder compatibility: Some descriptions say the kit includes an adapter for Forney wire-feed welders. For other brands, check the gas inlet thread and hose barb on your machine.
- Flow range: Typical MIG settings run in the 15 to 25 CFH range, but follow your welder manual and wire supplier.
- Warranty: Descriptions mention a short warranty (90 days); confirm on the listing.
Pros and limitations
Pros
- Brass body with a dual-scale gauge for reading pressure/flow.
- Sold as a kit for common MIG setups.
- From a known welding brand, which helps with replacement and support.
Limitations
- Entry-level design; not a high-precision industrial flowmeter.
- Product descriptions vary on weight and contents, so verify before assuming accessories are included.
- Not for oxygen, acetylene or propane.
Installation and leak testing
- Crack the cylinder valve briefly to blow out dust, standing to the side with the opening pointed away.
- Hand-tighten the regulator nut, then snug with the correct wrench. Do not over-tighten brass fittings.
- Open the cylinder valve slowly. Stand away from the gauge face.
- Brush soapy water on the connections and watch for bubbles. Fix leaks before welding.
- Squeeze the torch trigger (or use the purge) to set flow while gas is flowing.
- Close the cylinder valve when you finish, vent the line, and secure the cylinder upright with a chain.
Care and replacement
Keep dust and spatter out of fittings, protect the gauge from knocks, and replace the gas hose when it cracks or hardens. Cylinder gas is under high pressure, so stop using a regulator with a cracked gauge, creeping pressure or leaks. Do not oil any regulator.
Alternatives and related guides
- dual-output argon regulator flow meter review: a two-outlet regulator for TIG and MIG
- HTP Argon/CO2 flow meter review: another Argon/CO2 flow meter to compare
- WeldingStop gas regulator review: a similar regulator option
- Forney 140 FC-i MIG kit review: a Forney MIG machine this regulator may pair with
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Forney 85363 regulator be used on oxygen or acetylene?
No. It is an Argon/CO2 regulator for shielding gas. Oxygen and acetylene require their own regulators with different fittings and pressure ranges. Using the wrong regulator is a serious safety hazard.
What flow rate should I set for MIG welding?
Many MIG setups run around 15 to 25 CFH with argon/CO2 mix, but your welder manual and wire supplier should guide you. Indoors, avoid setting flow too high, which can cause turbulence and porosity.
Does the Forney 85363 fit non-Forney welders?
It can if your welder has a standard gas inlet and 5/32 in hose barb, but verify the thread and barb size on your machine. Check what adapters the listing includes before assuming compatibility.
How do I check for gas leaks?
Open the cylinder valve slowly, brush soapy water on each connection and watch for bubbles. Tighten or replace leaking parts. Do not use oil or grease on regulators and fittings.
Final verdict
The Forney 85363 is a straightforward Argon/CO2 regulator kit for MIG and light TIG setups. Verify your cylinder connection, hose size and kit contents on the listing, and leak-test every connection before welding.
