What's going on here?

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Setup: Lincoln Precision TIG 185Joining 4130 and Mild Steel30 PSI on gas150 on output settingA couple of days ago I ran out of gas. So I took the tank back to my local filler. He asked me if I needed pure Argon and I said yes. I wasn't really sure, but I'd never heard anything about an Argon mix. I brought that tank home and began welding. Immediately I began having problems with gas bubbles rising out of the bead. I assumed it was a problem with the "pure argon" so I headed to Google. I found a few people recomending an Argon mix for ferrous metals. I assumed that was the problem so I took the tank back today and swapped it for a mix tank. This time I swallowed my pride and asked what I should have. He said I did need the mix and gave me a new bottle.Problem solved, right??? Nope! I'm still having the same issue. I have also noticed a very visible redish color ring around the bead. I've seen this bead before when the gas has run out.Can anyone steer me in the right direction here?Here's what the bead looks like, after I ground the first bead out with an angle grinder.thanks,.brit
Reply:I always run pure argon for all tig welding, unless I am working with really thick aluminum, in which case I might use helium or a helium mix. The red/brown staining is usually a sign of not enough or even NO shielding gas. Are you sure you are getting gas flow when you weld?Can you hear it coming out of the torch?The gauge actually measures in CFM, not PSI, but 30 should be good, assuming its not windy out. Seriously, outside, I often have to crank up the argon flow, but inside, 30 CFM should be fine, assuming it is really shielding the weld.I think you might have a gas flow problem. A stuck valve, a kinked hose, a soleniod that isnt opening, teflon tape in the line, something like that.
Reply:I have received quite a few responses on another forum. I think we have finally come to the same conclusion as you have alluded to here.I'm going to tear into the box tomorrow and check for leaks in the line.thanks for the info,.brit
Reply:It was the gas! I ended up swapping out three bottles with the same supplier. Lesson learned: never trust your gas!.brit