Airgas' 84/16% Ar/C02 gas mix question please.

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In my very limited amateur experience with MIG welding, Airgas told me that their Ar/C02 gas mix is BETTER than the typically recommended 75/25% mix of gas.  Is this true or just sales hype?So far, everytime I've gone into my local Airgas retailer, they've let me down.  Probably because I'm new.  I hate their "Radnor" line of products.  Everything from their mig wire to cutting torch goggles, torch tips etc..  have all sucked for me.  If I stick with name brand stuff (Hobart/Lincoln etc...) it seems to perform better for me.  So, in the future, should I demand the traditionally accepted 75/25% mix for my mild steel projects or is their version (84/16%) really a good mix?  Does it really matter and am I splitting hairs here????Thanks.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Ever consider the fact that your LWS may just be tired of answering a bunch of "off the wall" questions.Same applies on a forum.Do you ever do any reading on your own?  There's plenty published about the effects of different gas mixes.  I'd suggest getting "very proficient" in using C25 before you went off in search of the "magic gas".Considering where much of the "magic gas" solutions come from, it probably has a foul odor to it.Been my experience that solutions obtained easily are quickly lost.  Those that required effort, tend to stay with us.Thermal Arc.  You seem like a prime candidate for a copy of Miller's Student Pack.  It will answer the bulk of your questions if you go thru the material in detail.  Best $25 you'll ever spend in welding.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:I've run into the same situation with Airgas. Except they told me they don't carry or offer 75/25 any longer. It's pretty much the 86/14 or nothing. I'm on my 2nd tank now (the first one was a leaker), and overall I've been happy with it. About the thickest material I'm working with 1/8".TodHH140HF 4x6 band saw (cut straight right outta the box!)"-Of all the things I've lost... I miss my mind the most."
Reply:Like our lovable curmudgeon stated, nothing wrong with 75/25.  Get to know it before trying any of the other Ar/Co2 mixes.Also, I second buying the student pack.  Great stuff in there.
Reply:The 84/16, which I thought was 85/15, but whatever, calms down the overly stiff arc of the little migs, like the Millermatic 135/140/175/180/211 line.  It works quite well with my MM175.  My HTP and Passport both have much softer arcs than the 175 so the increased argon content isn't needed with them.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIEver consider the fact that your LWS may just be tired of answering a bunch of "off the wall" questions.Same applies on a forum.Do you ever do any reading on your own?  There's plenty published about the effects of different gas mixes.  I'd suggest getting "very proficient" in using C25 before you went off in search of the "magic gas".Considering where much of the "magic gas" solutions come from, it probably has a foul odor to it.Been my experience that solutions obtained easily are quickly lost.  Those that required effort, tend to stay with us.Thermal Arc.  You seem like a prime candidate for a copy of Miller's Student Pack.  It will answer the bulk of your questions if you go thru the material in detail.  Best $25 you'll ever spend in welding.