Stargon SS

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I just bought a used Linde 200 amp power source with a Miller feeder- Both are old.  I've never used a welder with an inductance control before... can somebody give me some pointers?The other question is about shielding gas... the guy I bought it from through in his bottle of Stargon SS - can I use this on mild steel?  I've been playing with it tonight and not had much luck.  I seem to end up with a "mound" or "ball" on top at the end of the weld.  Anybody have any ideas what's going on?Thanks - ddfarmboy
Reply:The inductance control softens or stiffens the arc.  Increasing the inductance softens it and wets out the puddle more.   Decreasing it helps freeze the puddle faster for out of position welds.  Old industrial mig machines used to have this feature.   My neighbor bought an old Linde mig with inductance.  It was nice machine.  I don't know why it seems like inductance control on migs went away for awhile but the newer high-end migs are comming back with it.   My Miller 350P has it.I don't know anything about 'Stargon SS'.   I assume it is some kind of tri-mix gas for welding stainless?I don't know what to tell you about your 'mound' at the end of the weld.  Does the power supply or feeder have a 'crater' timer feature?   Maybe it needs some adjusting.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I find the inductance has a lot to do with the gas you are using.  Pure Co2 and the inductance needs to be turned up.  C/25 turn the inductance down some.  It does help the arc.  It was also called pinch control.  How hard it pinches off the arc.  Try welding and turning the knob.  You will soon see what it does.  start in the middle.I don't know if stargon will short arc with mild steel, but it WILL spray arc.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:so what you're telling me about the stargon ss is that it would work for heavy stuff, but to use it for an all around/general purpose gas it is not the ideal stuff?  My plan is to do a lot of 1/4 inch to 16 ga tube work.  Would I be better off going to a 75/25 mix?   I can't find any crater control - and it appears that these mounds are hollow/full of gas.  I smashed a couple with a hammer last night in frustration!!Thanks guys for helping out
Reply:YES you would be better off with C/25.  Those mounds are lack of shielding gas when you stop welding.  Hold the gun there after you let go of the trigger.  Are you at 12 to 15 CFH?DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Argon-Carbon Dioxide-Nitrogen Mixtures -- Praxair's Stargon® SS BlendPraxair's Stargon® SS gas blend is a carefully controlled blend of argon, carbon dioxide and nitrogen that is designed for joining a wide variety of stainless steels. It is well-suited for all-position welding as it can be used with all types of metal transfer (i.e. short circuiting, pulsed, and conventional spray). It produces excellent quality welds when joining light gauge material with short-circuiting transfer and offers cost savings when compared with the high-helium content gases currently used today....More on site...Bobhttp://www.praxair.com/praxair.nsf/7...5?OpenDocumentBob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:The regulator doesn't give me a flow rate, just a pressure.  I have it set between 30-35 pounds.  I worked during college in a weld shop, so I've got some expereince with a mig, but most of the stuff was just a set the Miller 250 and go on mild steel.  I did a little bit of Stainless steel sheetmetal work with a mig, but we had a spare welder that we setup specifically for SST.  10 years ago I didn't pay much attention, because I was paid to weld, not setup the welder.  The little bit I've played with my welder, I don't have any problems getting good arc quality.  I would say that maybe the gas valve on the feeder isn't doing the most consistant job.  I've had several welds turn out porous, though the steel had some light rust on it.  From my previous expereince, not enough rust to cause the results that I am getting, but I guess the Stargon SS is that different from 75/25.  I cut apart a weld and there is no question about good penetration, it just doesn't meet the visual test.