02GF74
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:15 AM |
|
|
Halfrods had no Ar/CO2 mix ....
.... so can I use CO2 or Argon?
I am MIG welding together two pieces of 3 mm mild steel, on highest setting  and was recommend that Ar/CO2 would be better than CO2 (both of which I
have).
Would either of those gases be as good/ok?
Also how far to I unscrew the gas regulator - it goes to about 6 (?), I run it at around 3-4. (clarke welder).
I am welding inside a garage.
|
|
|
|
|
AdamR
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:23 AM |
|
|
I use the little CO2 bottles for everything (everything steel that is). Apart from being just as effective as Ar/CO2, each bottle lasts about 5 times
as long.
Argon is for pansies. 
[Edited on 12/5/09 by AdamR]
|
|
|
owelly
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:30 AM |
|
|
CO2 is fine for steel. I'd consider it rather flamboyant to use the expensive stuff for steel!!
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
|
|
|
andyd
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:30 AM |
|
|
I would say that the best thing would be to experience all combos and see which works best for you.
Do you know anyone with a bottle of Ar/CO2 you can borrow for a test session?
Personally I need all the aid I can get so I use a rented BOC argoshield jobby.
Andy
|
|
|
skibum
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:33 AM |
|
|
I always use mix in the workshop and at home, find it gives a much cleaner weld with less spltter etc.
Matt
|
|
|
02GF74
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:36 AM |
|
|
hey - do screwfix or B&Q sell these little bottles?
|
|
|
hellbent345
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:40 AM |
|
|
co2 runs a bit hotter ive found, so it gets better penetration on thicker welds at max power, trade off is the welds look a bit sh£t
Al
|
|
|
DaveFJ
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:41 AM |
|
|
B&Q do - i dont know about screwfix
Dave
"In Support of Help the Heroes" - Always
|
|
|
JoelP
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:50 AM |
|
|
machine mart too.
|
|
|
02GF74
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 08:53 AM |
|
|
^ I know, that is where I buy it from .... but MM is much further away.
|
|
|
Dangle_kt
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 09:05 AM |
|
|
If you are concerned about penertration, have you V prepped the joint?
Those little bottles are a waste of time, get a pub co2 cylinder. The little ones only seem to work with the tap FULLY opened, anything less is like a
mouse coughing on the weld puddle.
No point using pure argon, a co2/argon mix would work well, as would just straight CO2.
Post up pics, I'm sure there are plenty of people on here who could offer a few tips after seeing the results.
Oh, and as to the avatar - what an exceptionally lucky saddle 
[Edited on 12/5/09 by Dangle_kt]
|
|
|
02GF74
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 09:09 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Dangle_kt
If you are concerned about penertration, have you V prepped the joint?
I am welding a T - joint and have ground a 45 degree V edge.
I am not concerned about penetration as I can see the parent metal melting as I MIG along. Also I am welding on both sides of the T.
Will have a go with CO2 if I cannot get any mix.
|
|
|
blakep82
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 09:58 AM |
|
|
co2 will be spot on for welding, but just think about what you are doing to the environment! 
absolutely nothing!
________________________
IVA manual link http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1081997083
don't write OT on a new thread title, you're creating the topic, everything you write is very much ON topic!
|
|
|
smart51
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 10:07 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by blakep82
co2 will be spot on for welding, but just think about what you are doing to the environment!
absolutely nothing!
Industrial CO2 is a waste gas from the brewing industry. Ever seen bubbles plooping up through the S bend on a demijohn? CO2. Brewers bottle it and
sell it to fizzy drinks companies, pubs and industry. Welding, followed by Coke does no harm to the environment save for the transport of the goods.
|
|
|
MikeRJ
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 10:48 AM |
|
|
I actually find it easier to set up my MIG on CO2 than on CO2/Argon mix. With the latter the wire seems to melt well before it hits the weld pool so
you have to wind the wire speed up, and you don't get such good penetration.
I can't understand why people have such problem with the little bottles though. They are clearly are not an economical way to run the welder
for heavy use, but my MIG works very nicely with the regulator just cracked open enough that I can only just feel the gas flow if I hold the torch
close to my face.
I certainly don't need to max it out.
|
|
|
BenB
|
| posted on 12/5/09 at 10:59 AM |
|
|
I tend to use 100% CO2 as my welders a bit marginal and I prefer the greater wallop provided by that over an argon / CO2 mix. Ain't the pretiest
weld but that's mostly my fault not the choice of gas
|
|
|
