Mig Welder

[usraptr]

Getting ready to weld new quarters and trunk pan in and I'm having problems connecting my gas line to the regulator.  Haven't been able to find an answer anywhere else so I'd thought I try here.  I bought a used Clarke 180 en Mig welder.  It did not come with a argon bottle or regulator.  Recently purchased a argon bottle and "Clarke" gas regulator off of e-bay.  Problem is that the mig welder came with a 3/16" semi hard plastic gas line.  The gas regulator comes with a barbed 1/4" to 1/2" gas line connection.  I've been to the local welding store and several hardware stores and can't figure out how to connect the 3/16" gas line to the regulator.     Naturally Clarke industries is out of business so I can't contact them.     Has anybody else encountered this problem or have any ideas on how to connect the gas line to the regulator?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Brad

[Bullitt-]

5/32 do you any good? ....  http://www.grainger.com/1/1/219623-parker-22-4-5-32-union-reducer-1-4-x-5-32-tube-sz.html

Google 3/16 barbed reducer, there are plenty of plastic ones out there. 

[HP2]

Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric or use shielded wire.

[e-tek]

Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric or use shielded wire.

OMG - if you don't have to - DO NOT USE SHEILDED WIRE!!!! I'm sure he'll find the right fitting.

Kinda odd, as most of these things are standardized....

[HP2]

Maybe something like this will screw on to your argon bottle; http://www.mcmaster.com/#push-to-connect-tube-fittings/=4cbh7z

[usraptr]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I finally found a 3/16 compression fitting after going to several stores.  However, it doesn't fit the nipple that comes out of the regulator.  I was able to find another nipple that fits both the regulator and the compression fitting however, here's the question.  The fitting that came with the regulator has a very small, less than pencil lead size, in the end that goes into the regulator.  The new piece is wide open, on both ends.  I assume the is a reason for the small whole in the original piece, like pressue regulation.  So how much of a difference will it make it I replace the restricted fitting with the wide open fitting?
BTW, I tried to find a fitting that would connect the original fitting with the new compression fitting without success, even at the store that had the 3/16 compression fitting. 
Thanks
Brad

[mojavered]

OMG - if you don't have to - DO NOT USE SHEILDED WIRE!!!! I'm sure he'll find the right fitting.

Kinda odd, as most of these things are standardized....

Forgive the ignorance, but what is shileded wire?  I it like flux cored wire?  I just picked up a Lincoln Handy Mig a couple days ago.  It came with nothing and I need everthing.  Never welded, but have to start somewhere.  Should be fun!  Not trying to hijack.

[ksierens]

Gas shielded mig welders uses argon or an argon/co2 mixture of gas.  Flux core wire uses no gas, does not make very clean welds, and can not be used on thinner material, like sheet metal.  If you are using the welder for body work you definately want a gas mig welder.  I have also used Twenty Gage brand wire, and have had great success with it.

[e-tek]

Gas shielded mig welders uses argon or an argon/co2 mixture of gas.  Flux core wire uses no gas, does not make very clean welds, and can not be used on thinner material, like sheet metal.  If you are using the welder for body work you definately want a gas mig welder.  I have also used Twenty Gage brand wire, and have had great success with it.

Right on all counts - \cept you can weld sheet metal - I've doen lots. It's just messier and more difficult!!