MIG Gas ??

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I am still using and old Miller Side Kick with straight CO2 and the bottle is about ready for a refill. This machine is a 90 amp 110 volt machine that is good for up to about 1/8 inch without much prep or preheat. Can I benefit from any of the CO2 gas mixes or any other gas for better heat and penetration. I use it strictly for mild steel and would like to weld a little heavier stuff from time to time but use it mainly for body work and bed frame angle Iron."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:The straight C02 is your best bet. It gives the best penetration, better than the mixes. It is also cheaper.
Reply:Originally Posted by TEKThe straight C02 is your best bet. It gives the best penetration, better than the mixes. It is also cheaper.
Reply:I am new to this, so CO2 is better than a 75/25 mix?
Reply:Originally Posted by bdeditchI am new to this, so CO2 is better than a 75/25 mix?
Reply:Actually, C25 (75% Argon/25% CO2) is a better gas mix for body work (thin material).  Less spatter and a better looking bead.Straight CO2 is the best gas available for what he's describing he's doing.C10 (90% Argon/10% CO2) is generally used in the larger machines as an "all purpose" gas mix.  Gives the user the ability to either weld in short arc or spray mode.  Anything over about 18% CO2 in the mix makes spray transfer difficult if not impossible.I blend my own gasses so I can vary the ratios.  I like C8 for spray (or 98% Argon/2% O2) and C25 for short arc.  With C25 and a larger machine you can simply increase your setting slightly and achieve the desired result and still minimize the spatter.A 90A, 120v machine needs all the help it can get and that's straight CO2.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 use 95/5...but that's just me.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIActually, C25 (75% Argon/25% CO2) is a better gas mix for body work (thin material).  Less spatter and a better looking bead.Straight CO2 is the best gas available for what he's describing he's doing.C10 (90% Argon/10% CO2) is generally used in the larger machines as an "all purpose" gas mix.  Gives the user the ability to either weld in short arc or spray mode.  Anything over about 18% CO2 in the mix makes spray transfer difficult if not impossible.I blend my own gasses so I can vary the ratios.  I like C8 for spray (or 98% Argon/2% O2) and C25 for short arc.  With C25 and a larger machine you can simply increase your setting slightly and achieve the desired result and still minimize the spatter.A 90A, 120v machine needs all the help it can get and that's straight CO2.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitYup CO2 is your best bet. The bottle last longer as well.
Reply:Thanks guys, I've been using the straight CO2 for years and I'm not in job shops anymore, Just thought i might try something different or might not be up to speed on the latest technology. Speaking of which, what is the difference between spray arc, globular transfer and how do I do it. Do I need special equipment or is it a matter of the settings.  Oh yeah I know I need a new MIG  but moneys tight ,"Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Hmm.... Arcal 21 (81% argon 19%CO2)¤If you got money, i've got time
Reply:kolot,Go to the EASB website and read up on the different GMAW transfer modes.   www.esabna.com and then through to the Education section.The short answer is:Use the appropriate equipment and supplies and parameters for what you are trying to do.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Have you tried Flux core for some of the thicker stuff? No gas needed and I think gives the best penetration. Not near as pretty a weld though. Also will have to swap polarity of the machine. Also follow the good suggestion given and go to EASB's/ Lincoln/ Millers sites they all have ton's of info, to get the inside skinny.Last edited by dakook; 01-07-2009 at 05:19 PM.Reason: Fixt spelling I think?