Newbie Tig question

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Hello all,    I'm new to the board, but have been lurking about for a few days getting to know the forum.   My question is probably simple:What gas would I need to run for which welding types?I.E. - Argon for steel, CO2 for Aluminum, Argon/CO2 for ?, etc...I have a large bottle of Argon/CO2 that was given to me and I was wondering if I could use it for Tigging Aluminum...?Thanks for the help!Cheers!Christin"The artist belongs to their work, not the work to the artist."  -  Novalis
Reply:Originally Posted by Beladona_13Hello all,    I'm new to the board, but have been lurking about for a few days getting to know the forum.   My question is probably simple:What gas would I need to run for which welding types?I.E. - Argon for steel, CO2 for Aluminum, Argon/CO2 for ?, etc...I have a large bottle of Argon/CO2 that was given to me and I was wondering if I could use it for Tigging Aluminum...?Thanks for the help!Cheers!Christin
Reply:No co2 ever for TIG.  The co2 will ruin the tungsten.
Reply:Usually, I mix my argon with argon for steel, SS and aluminum. Or, I run straight argon. I have used a little helium/ argon mix, but rarely.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:As said above straight argon will be what you need for steel or alum. You haven't said what kind of tig machine you have, but from the question I'll take it you are new and don't know the basics yet. ( nothing wrong with that just an observation). You tig steel with DC and tig alum with AC. If you don't have an AC/DC machine you won't be able to do alum. no matter what gas you have.
Reply:Spending the money for argon -helium mix is over kill.Helium is reserved for welments thicker than 1/4 inch. Helium increases penetration.Neve use CO2 as it contains O2 and will corrupt the weld.the purpose of welding gases is to keep oxygen away from the weld.The exception is MIG (GMAW) welding
Reply:Thanx for all of the replies.  Good information, all of it.  My machine is a Riland Super 160p.  It's a three in one machine (Plasma, Arc, Tig).  It is AC/DC with pluse mode.  I have been  stick, O/A, and mig welding for 20 years, but no experience at all with Tig.  I get the concept, it's similar to O/A if I'm not mistaken.  I'm going to try some Tig welding as soon as I can afford to purchase the Argon bottle.  I'll let you know how it turns out.Cheers!Christin"The artist belongs to their work, not the work to the artist."  -  Novalis