Does anyone still use CO2?

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My welder is band new, but it was made in 1992, short story, I found a new in box 22 year old welder, I love it. But it has specs for CO2. I took in a small bottle and asked for CO2 and the guy at the counter was shocked. He tried to talk me out of it. But I insisted. So I tried it and I didn't think it was too bad. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:Not too many people use straight C02, unless the boss is a cheap-***.  75/25 or similar mixes give you a much better arc, with less spatter, for not too much more cash.
Reply:Fluxcore Lincoln 71M Elite you need co 2 for deep penatration. Bridge code requires it.
Reply:Well it seems like less cleanup than flux core. But ya, I hear yaSent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:If you are welding up farm equipment CO2,and scrape/grind the BBs off,if you are welding furniture or similar 75/25.CO2 is cheap and has good penetration,75/25 is cleaner.
Reply:Thats all I use for solid ER70S-6 or multiple dual shield wires. I dont know about the "supposed " spatter issues, I guess you have to know how to set the stuff? I cant stand the 75/25 thing unless its down flat. Im running ESAB 225s and a Miller 251 with mostly .045 solid.
Reply:I run both straight CO2 and 75/25 with hard wire .030 and .035.Depends what I'm doing - but I like the cost savings and having a CO2 tank to use as backup when I run out of mixed.I use nozzle dip when I run straight CO2.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Ya that seems to be the big difference to me, I have to clean my nozzle often, but not big deal so far. I have a 40 with mix. I wanted to try co2 for the cost savings, but it's not that much, few dollars. I tried to get a cash account at praxair but the guy said I don't have enough volume, but he suggested that I double the size of my bottle to save $$. I heard co2 cuts in a little more, since I only have 110v welder, I thought it might help when I'm pushing the max thinness (14g) in mig. But I think in the end I'll stick to mix gas. They only have the tri gas mig mix in West Palm Beach. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:CO2 fill for me is about twelve bucks, the last 75/25 that I filled was somewhere around $80. CO2 lasts a lot longer being liquid instead of gas. I dont notice a big difference in either arc quality or spatter. I turn out a lot of high quality welds on high end ironwork with it every day. I am using a MM200 and an XMT304.
Reply:I use it.Have used every thing from pure argon to pure CO2 and every mix in between. CO2 for me.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerCO2 fill for me is about twelve bucks, the last 75/25 that I filled was somewhere around $80. CO2 lasts a lot longer being liquid instead of gas. I dont notice a big difference in either arc quality or spatter. I turn out a lot of high quality welds on high end ironwork with it every day. I am using a MM200 and an XMT304.
Reply:The newer machines come with a argon/co2 mix regulator. That would seem that the mix tanks are the more norm. If you have a newer unit you will need a co2 regulator. I too have read that on the smaller 110 machines increased penetration is achieved with co2.
Reply:I have a fixed regulator, Harris, but I clearly can use either mix or co2. But it sounds like I might be wasting? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:I can have my CO2 refilled at the local liquor store on Sunday afternoon; LWS closes at noon on Saturday and is 20 miles away.   I also keep a 10lb cylinder in my Jeep to air-up after wheeling.   Always have some CO2 on hand, mixed gasses always run-out when you need it the most.
Reply:Does anyone know if my regulator is optimized for one gas or the other? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:I also use CO2 with a MM200. Very little spatter when you set it right.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by Bluehunter40Does anyone know if my regulator is optimized for one gas or the other? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:It should say on the regulator.But the difference in flow between CO2and argon is less than 10%.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I have not used co2. From what I read you can get a adapter for the co2 tank. It has been said that it is not a good idea to use a argon/co2 regulator for straight co2. They do sell straight 100 % co2 regulators for that reason and the inside is different. They appear the same on the outside. http://www.usaweld.com/Welding-Flowmeter-p/12020-f.htm                                             http://www.usaweld.com/CO2-Welding-F.../12020-co2.htm
Reply:I called lincoln. The guy said 18 CFH so I that works for both? Also I think I have asked before, but I'm ready to start trying to scratch start tig, with my HF 80 amp inverter. I have a small bottle of argon, can I use that regulator, when I triennial before it seemed like a lot of gas? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1I have not used co2. From what I read you can get a adapter for the co2 tank. It has been said that it is not a good idea to use a argon/co2 regulator for straight co2. They do sell straight 100 % co2 regulators for that reason and the inside is different. They appear the same on the outside. http://www.usaweld.com/Welding-Flowmeter-p/12020-f.htm                                             http://www.usaweld.com/CO2-Welding-F.../12020-co2.htm
Reply:18cfh is fine.When insde welding (rare for me) I might try to set it below 15cfh.Other wise, outside is 15 to 20 cfh.You would be suprized how well short circuit transfer will weld with pure CO2.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Ya I mean, the bacon was crackling. I have no adjustment it's fixed. I guess it was cheaper. I will need a flow meter for tig once I really start, but I love what I'm doing now. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:Just remember TIG is a completely different animal and 100% argon is the order of the day there.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:CO2 for me. unless i spray. Then 90/10 mix... CO2 will weld almost 100% as clean if you do your prep and settings correctly.Both mig machines in my shop have straight CO2. It's just so much cheaper than mix. It cost 1/4 as much and last about 4 times as long. If your getting spatter then your nozzle is too far from the weld. Keep it close and you won't know the difference.I also use CO2 for air pressure, filling tires, air tools and spray painting.
Reply:Another co2 user here.
Reply:Well, I'm just using a little bottle, I think 10cf? Like on the mini torches I used in HVAC. But it's only a few dollars cheaper than mig mix. This is at Praxair. I did like it. I also have a small bottle of argon, the bigger bottle is mig mix,they don't even have it without o2 in it. The guy at the counter suggested I swap in all my bottles and get the bigger mig mix to save money (I asked for a cash account for a discount) Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:In short circuit transfer mode, CO 2  performs at a satisfactory level with most machines up to around roughly 150 amps. Personally though I feel even at 150 amps and lower C25 out performs CO 2 in the areas of arc quality, spatter level, and ease of dialing in the arc.My attached weld bead picture were both ran with the same machine at roughly the same amperage.  The rougher looking weld bead was produced  with CO2, and the smoother looking bead was produced with C25. Attached ImagesESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I've been using CO2 for about ten years, ever since I got my first MIG. As mentioned, it's not as clean a weld as the mix but it gives excellent penetration at a fraction of the cost of 75/25. To keep splatter under control with my MM252, I keep a jar of weld gel handy and dip the MIG tip in now and then when it's hot. This keeps the tip clean and controls spatter very nicely. When I'm finished welding, a quick wipe with a rag leaves the tip perfectly clean inside of the nozzle. I exchange a 20# CO2 cylinder for $25.00 including tax and Haz Mat out the door. An equivalent 160 cu. ft. 75/25 is something like $55. Works for me.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:I don't do a whole lotta mig, but when I do, straight co2 works great.The bead is definitely not as clean-looking as 75/25 but the penetration is better.My regulator does occasionally frost up with the straight co2, FWIW.'contaminating tungstens like there's no tomorrow'
Reply:Originally Posted by castleI don't do a whole lotta mig, but when I do....
Reply:I have no idea what the difference is between regs other than a cop is more freeze resistant. It might also have something to do with con vibing the regulator?
Reply:Ive only used co2 with mx71 duelshield, we used a heated reg to stop it from freezing.Sent from my LG-P716 using Tapatalk
Reply:I have a 50lb bottle of CO2, only costs $50 to fill.With my gas mixing rig I still have the ability to mix any coverage gas blend I need.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Wow, that's pretty cool, way to advanced for me. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk