Which CFH Setting Do You Prefer?

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I am a newbe welder and recently purchased a Millermatic 180. I have been welding all cold rolled steel with 75/25 mixture. I have been running at 20 CFH because thats what the welding supplier told me and it works fine, however he is selling gas too. What would be wrong with running at lets say 15 CFH. I have and can not notice much of a difference. What do you all run at and why?
Reply:There are so many variables that may affect how much flow rate is required to properly shield a weld, it is impossible to know what is going to work best for a given condition.  Some of the variables are:  the type of gas diffuser and nozzle and contact tip, the wire size and welding current and electrical stickout and arc length, the weld joint design and position, and the amount of cross wind.Obviously, too little gas will result in oxidation/discoloration and porosity.  Too much gas can cause turbulence and the same problems.  Like you alreadly did, you experimented and found that maybe you don't need 20 cfh for a given weld, but you may need that much for a different weld run at higher current or whatever.Generally, you should be able to tell by the weld surface appearance if shielding is adequate, although there can be sub-surface porosity that is only revealed when you grind into the weld.
Reply:I normally run 20 - 25. Better weld appearence and penetration.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:I don't have data either way, but I question whether gas flow has any affect on penetration, assuming you stay within a range that supplies adequate shielding.
Reply:I keep mine at 15 when using straight argon..When using the mixer I go down to 8 on the argon and the helium.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I keep mine at 17 - 20   depending if its drafty.  GMAW not Tig.... weld it like you own it
Reply:I run my c25 at about 5cfh. Haven't had any problems and been doing it that way for years. Now if I get a breeze through the shop I have to turn it up a bit. I have gone as low as 1.5 on ornamental iron.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jolly RogerI run my c25 at about 5cfh. Haven't had any problems and been doing it that way for years. Now if I get a breeze through the shop I have to turn it up a bit. I have gone as low as 1.5 on ornamental iron.
Reply:I run just under 15 to just over 20.
Reply:You got it zap. Every nickel I save goes in my pocket or into new equipment. I'm always looking for ways to trim costs or improve efficiency, but never at the sake of quality.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Inside with the doors closed - no draft...  If I can go as low as 10, I do it.the trick is, use only what you need.  Sometime a little pre-flow lets me run lower.It matters if you're running long work.  I like the doors open more, epsecially this time of year, run I run from 12 or so up to 22 depending... I've never needed higher.The best things in life all come on a stick!