Same Welding Gas for MIG & TIG?

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Hi All,I have a small hobby shop that I work in on the weekends and after work. I have just bought a MIG machine, and already have a small TIG machine.Is there any sort of Gas available that would allow me to use the same gas for both MIG (Mild steel, Galv etc) and TIG (Stainless)?I phoned the local gas supplier to get a price on gas and he advised that I would need to buy 2 different types of gas to be able to weld using both processes (Which I assumed he would say as we use different Argon types for MIG and TIG at my work) However, if there is a way that I can avoid buying, and paying monthly hire for 2 gas bottles, I would love to here it.Thanks in advance.
Reply:To TIG you would normally want pure argon gas. To MIG you would normally use a mixed gas with 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide. It sounds like you already know that.If you dared me to make a TIG weld and a MIG weld using the same gas I would choose argon. I know I could get by with that since argon is the choice gas for TIG and I have MIG welded with pure argon and it worked. When I MIG welded with pure argon I did not like it though all I am saying is that it can be done. Another gas that can be used for MIG  is pure carbon dioxide, it is the choice MIG gas for in shop pipe fabrication since MIG welding with any gas containing argon can cause leaks at starts and stops. MIG welding with pure carbon dioxide is tricky, the weld zone must be very clean, and there is a lot of spatter. The prettiest MIG welds on fabrication work are normally done with the 75/25 mixed gas.Considering the cost I think you will find pure argon to be the most expensive, the 75/25 mix a little less, and pure carbon dioxide is flat out dirt cheap in comparison to the gases containing argon. I can't tell you what you should do, it depends on your needs. I have all three gases in my shop and would not want to be without any of them, they all shine in different welding applications.The worst thing I can think of happening is if everything I ever welded instantly became UNWELDED
Reply:there is no one gas. You will need at least two gasses. You can use CO2 or an argon/CO2 blend for MIG. You can use argon or a argon/helium blend for TIG. There is a sticky on this somewhere on this forum.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by BloodstormHi All,I have a small hobby shop that I work in on the weekends and after work. I have just bought a MIG machine, and already have a small TIG machine.Is there any sort of Gas available that would allow me to use the same gas for both MIG (Mild steel, Galv etc) and TIG (Stainless)?I phoned the local gas supplier to get a price on gas and he advised that I would need to buy 2 different types of gas to be able to weld using both processes (Which I assumed he would say as we use different Argon types for MIG and TIG at my work) However, if there is a way that I can avoid buying, and paying monthly hire for 2 gas bottles, I would love to here it.Thanks in advance.
Reply:Just don't try to tig with C25 mix, you really really won't like the results.
Reply:Thanks everyone for your replies and advice. I thought that it was not possible, I just thought I would ask you guys before I went out and bought 2 gas bottles.Cheers,
Reply:Actually it is possible BUT only if you were working with aluminum.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveActually it is possible BUT only if you were working with aluminum.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mr. SmithOr spray arc.