GG Stainmix 3

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We have a full cylinder of Airgas Goldgas Stainmix 3 left over from a project.  The cylinder is too "old" and Airgas will not exchange it for something we use daily.The delivery order lists this mixture as Ar 63%, He 35%, CO 2% (I'm assuming that is CO2 not Carbon Monoxide).Because it has CO2, that would preclude any aluminum work.Anyone see any problems with students running GMAW or FCAW wire with this mixture?
Reply:The more I read about this, the more I think we may be SOL!
Reply:If I am not mistaken the Stainmix 3 is for stainless use.  I would set it up and try it on carbon just to see the results, but I think it was designed for use on stainless steels.  and what do you mean by the cylinder is to old?  Bust their butt on it, and/or go to the manager.   My airgas swaps cylinders with me all the time for different gasses, and some I have had around the shop for a LONG time.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Hammack,If it is customer owned, they won't accept a swap unless the cylinder has had required testing.   They will test, but it will cost major bucks.  Otherwise,  they should take it if it is theirs regardless.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Lugweld, I guess I am spoiled as I have lifetime leases on my bottles from Air products which was bought by airgas, and they honor the lease so there is never a question on my bottles.  My airgas looks after me.  If I need a bottle they loan me a bottle.  I've even had a couple old bottles I picked up and they exchanged them for airgas bottles for me.  I understand what you are saying, but I would be willing to bet that if he talks to the manager of the store that he might get some results.  If not he's not out anything.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:We rent a lot of cylinders from Airgas (we are a welding school).  We have had this cylinder for a year.  It was one of the cylinders we had on hand for a specific project that didn't get used.
Reply:My Airgas will take old bottles in exchange.  If the bottle is out of date, they charge for hydro test, which isn't that much.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I think you mean that the mix is out of date,  Argon, helium, co, should work on carbon steel, that was expensive stuff, should work for practice - at least you willlearn what it is good for! .. I have some argon, co2, high o2 mix here that doesn't work at all, just going to vent it off and refill.
Reply:The gas doesn't go out of date but the bottle does go out of test date.   The bottles must be hydro tested for safety periodically.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op