Gas type

admin

I've been using a C02/Argon mix with my MM 175 and have reached the end of my first bottle.  It has worked well so far using it on 1/8", 3/16" and 1/4" mild steel.  I was wondering if I should try straight C02 or go with the mixture?  What are the advantages of straight C02?Thanks!MM175 MIGCutmaster 38 PlasmaCraftsman 30gal compressor4x6 HF bandsaw1hp HF floor drill pressRyobi Cutoff SawAssorted grindersNot enough time
Reply:I prefer CO2 for general purpose.  Slightly better penetration and much cheaper while lasting longer at the same time.  It will give a bit more spatter, especially at higher settings, but it's still a clean process and the little spatter comes off easily.The C-25 mix is much better for thin stuff, less than 18-gauge, but you can still weld 22/24-ga. with CO2 if you're good.I used a MM175 as my exclusive GMAW machine for many years.
Reply:It's hard to beat C02 if you are a hobby welder like me. It really gives a nice clean weld...some spatter but that can be controlled by limiting heat and keeping the tip of the torch very clean. I can get an exchange refill 20 pound bottle (equal to 160 cu. ft of gas) for $23.00. Not bad. Also, the bottles are smaller than the full-sized gas bottles like C25 and are easier to handle and fit to your cart.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Sounds like C02 will work well for my purposes.  I just have a small 40cf bottle with the C-25 mix.  I wonder if I'll be able to exchange that for a C02 bottle or should I get another bottle for strickly C02.MM175 MIGCutmaster 38 PlasmaCraftsman 30gal compressor4x6 HF bandsaw1hp HF floor drill pressRyobi Cutoff SawAssorted grindersNot enough time
Reply:I agree with the above. I use CO2 for almost all my mig welding. The bottles last longer and the price is cheaper. I do allot of sheet metal work, so like MAC702 said above it takes a little change to get good welds but it not a big problem. CO2 also gets better pentetration. The only major down side to CO2 is their can be more splatter but not enough in my opinion to make a big difference. Give it a try and see what you thinkMiller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Since you already have the argon cylinder, try to hang on to it.  It shouldn't be too expensive to get another one outright for the CO2.
Reply:I use Co2 with my bigger machine and .045 wire.  It works great.  For the finer stuff with my sp100, I prefer the C/25.  Co2 works, just not quite as well.  Try it. You will save a BUNCH of money.  On any machine, Co2 takes 2 to 3 more volts.  If you are streaching a 110 mig, increasing the voltage to make it weld with Co2 cuts down on the amps.  No doubt penatration is better with the Co2.DavidDavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.