What gas and why

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Sorry but I want to ask this question. What gas do you use when mig welding and why. Lets get a showing here and see if we can set a standard for those wanting good solid advice on this topic. To start off I for one mostly use CO2, Why, cheap and works for me. It's what I learned with and became comfortable with. I have used C25 as well. I like the C25 for sheet metal work because of the less splatter and cleaning. Whats your'sMiller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:I use C25 on all my mild steel stuff.  Gotta break down and get a bottle of Argon at some point as I will be working with stainless and aluminum occasionally.
Reply:If I was wanting a quick reference I would shoot straight to table 4-1 for short arc and/or table 4-2 for spray or start at the beginning and read everything carefully making sure to keep it all in context. http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/MIG_handbook/592mig4_16.htmThere are also other sections which aid in keeping one liners in context. Exellent site, take advantage of the free information and tutorials. Bottom line, I won't be subscribing to 98%-02% any time soon or pure argon either. Not for what I do, not for MIG on steel.  http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/MIG_handbook/592mig4_1.htm
Reply:For many years it was .045 wire and Co2.  Cheap, cheap and cheap.  The .045 wire seemed to carry a steadier arc especially with the Co2.   I always had a bottle of C/25 for my 110 volt mig to get flatter, less aggressive, less spatter, and less penetrating welds.Then I got a bigger machine and bought a bottle of 92/8  (argon/Co2)  It will work well in short arc what ever size wire and will go into spray mode with enough balls.  I need about 3 to 5 more volts to spray with 92/8 than with 98/2 (argon/O2).  Confused yet? NOW that I have the pulsed spray, the 98/2 is what the machine is calibrated for, so I bought a bottle of that too......I really liked the penetration of the Co2 and the smoooth of the 92/8 for short arc.  There are times I think 50% argon and 50% Co2 would be a nice gas,but its not available and I don't have a mixer....Yet.Pure argon or 98/2 for short arc?  NOPE!DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I use- pure argon for all metals -- TIGpure argon for aluminum -- MIG spray-arc & pulsed-MIG spray-arc75% argon, 25% co2 for mild steel -- MIG short-arc85% argon, 15% co2 for mild steel -- MIG short-arcI intend to use, once I have the new Millermatic 350P here-98% argon, 2% oxygen for mild steel -- MIG spray-arc & pulsed-MIG spray-arc.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33I intend to use, once I have the new Millermatic 350P here-98% argon, 2% oxygen for mild steel -- MIG spray-arc & pulsed-MIG spray-arc.
Reply:30 cfm of c25 gas with e70s6 .035 wire, mig short arc. good penetration with good wetting action. some weld spatter, depends on how clean the metal is.never used anything else so can not comment on it, but i get great results with the above set-upmiller... 225g, s32p, 250x, 304, 12vs, MSW41     victor o/a thermal dynamics cutmaster 50 lenco panel spotter        hobart hf-boxG3 Farms.....raising cattle, hay, kids and hell, ...oh yeah I'm a fire sprinkler contractor by trade.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RYou are going to love the pulsed spray mig!  It welds like a torch.David