What kind of gas do you use?

[kibble]

So, what kind of gas do you guys use for welding steel and iron? I bought a tank at a swap meet for $30 but it's full of CO2. I got a regulator and crap for it. I wanted to fill it up with argon so I can weld aluminum.

I have yet to weld using gas.

[robertdjung]

I run 75%/25% argon and co2. You can run straight Co2 and you'll get more penetration. I've tried to weld aluminum with my 75/25, and it doesn't really work. I guess you really do need the full argon.

[kibble]

Would just running the CO2 alone help with preventing burn through? I have that problem constantly with the gasless stuff. As a result, some of my welds look like crap and I have to pretty them up with the grinder.

[robertdjung]

You know, I'm unsure. I suspect it would help. You might try it since it's full. Let me know afterward.

[Gunnar]

I use Argon with CO2 and Nitrogenmonocside for steel and iron welding. it gets the job done and gives nice and smooth welds, but I don`t know if that`s the best. Welding MiG without gas isn`t worth the time. It just gives rubbish welding. You need special wire to do that properly, and not even then is it better than with gas

[kibble]

Well I'm gonna give the CO2 a shot and see what happens. I went and bought some hose to be able to connect my tank to the welder. I'll keep you posted. Get it? "posted"..... Oh nevermind... LOL:p

[robertdjung]

I used flux core wire for the first time last week on my mig, because I was out of gas and I have a backup spool of flux core. It sucked. For the cost of 2lbs of wire ($15-18) it's just too much. I get the big bottles of argon/co2 for $35, and the solid wire 10lb spools are something like $20 I think... it's more expensive *not* to use gas.

[kibble]

I tried using just plain CO2 with flux core, cuz it's the only thing I had, and it seemed to make a considerable difference in the weld. I went and bought me a roll of just plain steel stuff today and I will be trying it out with the CO2. I'll let you know how that goes.

[ryf]

straight co2 works good... any mix of co2 and argon will work better, but cost more, lots of people like 75%co2, cheap and works very well for most people..

I use straight co2 myself, too cheap to care.

[kibble]

Awww man, I've been welding with the regular solid wire stuff and straight CO2 and it makes such a HUGE difference in the welds! At one point tonight, I had shut off the gas but forgot to turn it back on when I started welding and noticed that the welds were coming out crappy again. That's when I realized that the gas was off. I think from now on I'm gonna avoid using flux core unless it's the only thing available or for things that don't really matter that much.

[my_mini_bike]

i feel like im in science class :yawn: :sleeping:
argon this
CO2 that

lol

we're doing the peridoic table by the way lol

[ineed2fly]

I use the gas inside the wire! :D

[jr dragster Tyler]

The gas isnt inside the wire its a flux subtance that when burnt it makes a gas that shields the weld pool.:thumbsup:

[2or3wheels]

i use regular 87 cheap and useable.

[kibble]

LOL, I'm hoping that the last post is a joke, 2 or 3.

[2or3wheels]

yeah it is, but i wonder if pump gas could work if you pressureized it.

[jr dragster Tyler]

2 or 3 am I dreaming:worried2: You would even try to use pump gas presureized when mig welding! Maybe COULD be used for oxy welding. And I dont think it has any shielding properties

[kibble]

Wouldn't you just get flames galore? :eek:

[2or3wheels]

i dunno you guys give it a try and let me know.

[kibble]

I think he who suggests should put it to the test. :p

[ryf]

my morals demand I say something... though still interested to watch if you don't believe me.. i'll bring my video camera..(my morals don't negate my need for entertainment)

the gas used in welding is inert... it is also not flammable, it is used to shield the weld from ambient air, which is usually dirty and somewhat combustible. if you used liquid pressurized through a welder you would set yourself and your shop on fire... you could make an argument for using propane (because it IS a gas form when vertical) but this would also be very bad...

bottom line, flammable welding shield fumes = probable dead welder (person and machine) possibly with no house/shop... so in the interest of seeing tomorrow, don't try it. but if you do, call me I want to watch/film a future "Darwin Award" winner so people believe it.

[2or3wheels]

wowza sounds crazy

[jr dragster Tyler]

Yeah I think I will just stick to buying my own tank and get it refilled every like 3 years for 30 bucks

[robertdjung]

LOL, I'm hoping that the last post is a joke, 2 or 3.

or just not reading what KIND of gas the post was talking about. :oops:

hahah