Welding Gas (Mild Steel)
Turbo Mini Forums

I have always just bought CO2 gas for my MIG, but the Argon/CO2 from B&Q is cheaper than the CO2 only in Halfords (don't tell me where I can get it cheaper, these are the only two place I can get to today).

From a welding point of view, will I notice ant differance using the Argon?

Cheers

Wil

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

Yes, providing it is a good CO2/Argon mix (equivilant of BOC's Argoshield light) you will get cleaner welds and much less spatter.

You "may" have to use slightly lower current or weld slightly quicker as the predominantly argon mix takes slightly less heat away.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Cheers for that a perfect answer. Argon here we come.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

Make sure it is an argon/CO2 mix, not pure argon. Pure argon is usually only used on MIGs for stainless or sometimes aluminium. The argon/CO2 mix is best on mild steel with MIG.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Yeah, it's the mix. cheers

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

I know you said you didn't want to know where else to go, but for future reference the bottles at machine mart last a lot longer in my experience.

i have recently switched from co2 to argon/co2 mix, an immediate difference for thin panel work but i cant help but think the co2 is better for heavier stuff, i just couldnt get the mixed gas to weld 2x6mm mild strips together in a lap joint

clearly i need to relearn to weld with the new gas the wire feed and current setting requirements are very different

Yes i moved to the darkside

Instagram @jdm_brett

Brett, Argoshield light (which is what the throwaway cartidges are most likely the equivilant of) use a mix designed for thin mild steel.

BOC say up to 4mm weld thickness is prefered maximum.

Above 4mm they have another mix recommended (argoshield universal) and another one again for really thick stuff.

http://www.boconline.co.uk/products/produc...hield/index.asp

CO2 will do just about anything but it is poor quality in thin materials.

TBH most hobby type MIG welders will struggle to run high enough currents for a 2 x 6mm lap joint anyway whatever the shield gas used.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

that confirms my finding, still bloody lovely to weld with on thin stuff

Yes i moved to the darkside

Instagram @jdm_brett

In the end Halfords had a deal on the CO2, but an interesting discussion. I may get some Argon for doing the thiner stuff.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph