Best mig gas

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I'm sure its been posted here before but for welding steel what would yall consider the best gas.  I prefer C25.
Reply:I like the Airgas 'steel mix', which is 85/15, or somewhere thereabouts.  It's a little less spattery than the C25.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:i use co2... it's cheap.
Reply:Each type of welding gas performs a function.One fuction and very important is to keep oxygen away from the weld pool.So you could use C02 but argon /co2 mix may be better for a particular application. CO2 also cools the weld, and argon helps to stabalize the arc.Helium helps to get more penetration with thick aluminum weldments.I would use the gas mixture best suited for what i am working on.It is easy to look these things up. AWS code AS5.32 Welding Gases/Last edited by Donald Branscom; 12-25-2007 at 05:47 PM.
Reply:To make a good answer we need more information.  What machine are you welding with, size and type of wire, material thichness, and what do you want to accomplish.  (C-25) if you are going to Short Arc.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by weldgaultTo make a good answer we need more information.  What machine are you welding with, size and type of wire, material thichness, and what do you want to accomplish.  (C-25) if you are going to Short Arc.  John
Reply:Hi:  I have been using the coated wire in my MIG for a number of years and for rought work it seems to do well enought.  I would like to do some more detailed work in steel and would like to use the cheapest gas that still provides good quality welds.  I am not an expert welder so maybe the high end gases would provide me with overkill.  I have not checked into gas prices yet so maybe the difference between CO2 and the mixes is not that great.  I would like a good general all-around sheilding gas as I would like to keep my equipment portable without multiple tanks.  I have a large stock of aluminum but will not be working in it until I am able to buy a nice TIG.My mig is a lincoln (I believe 175 amp) running on 220v.  Any ideas?Chuck
Reply:For your aluminum, you will need pure argon, mig or tig.   That pure argon is not going to help you mig welding steel though.   Save the argon for your tig, you can use it for all metals on tig.   For mig on steel, you can go with C02, it's cheap, or use argon/C02, makes for a cleaner weld.  Argon C02 in mix percentages from 10 to 25 percent CO2 are acceptable for short circuit transfer mig on mild steel.  I used 75/25 mix for years, then switched to 85/15 and I like that a little more than the 75/25.  The lower C02 percentage mix welds a little cleaner.  I still use the 75/25 though on one of my machines.  Its good for the heavier stuff.  The 85/15 works nice on the lighter stuff with my smaller machine.  I'm now using 98/2 argon/oxygen to pulse spray steel with the 350P and boy is that nice .Last edited by DesertRider33; 01-20-2008 at 11:04 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:The more Co2 in the mixed gas, the better penetration you will get.  Pure Co2 gets the best penetration at the price of some spatter.  C/25 is a great all around short circuit gas.  You would have to try them to see what fits you and your work best.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:CO2 is my favorite. A 20# cylinder is about $30 out the door at Airgas. The equivalent 160 c.f. C/25 is $75 from Airgas. It enables you to weld thicker stock with the same amperage. Spatter is easily controlled with weld gel or anti-spatter spray. Penetration is superb.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set