MIG welding gas??

[mk1mexico]

Which one do i use?? for welding mild steel??

[Seals2]

argon/co2 mix i use

[mk1mexico]

Can i use neat CO2???

[Savvi]

I don't think you will get a very good weld with just co2.

 

My local motor centre does the argon mix which they fill your own bottle from. I have converted to a pub gas bottle which they fill for around a tenner.

 

I use to have a rented 1/2 size bottle but everytime i went to use it, the gas had wasted away and the rental worked out expensive if only using occassionally.

[mk1mexico]

We have pub gas bottles but nowhere to get them filled up without paying a fortune to the brewery etc

 

Just i walked round halfrauds last night and they sell small bottles which would be great for me as i have around 18 inches of welding to do. But they seemed to only have pure Argon or pure CO2

[Mick The Mig]

I used to use CO2 but found it tended to "freeze" the nozzle. I now use ARGOsheild light

[mk1mexico]

Where can i get that from?? We have BOC gases round here but they want you to rent the bottle

[Savvi]

Try going to your local motorist centre and make a suggestion for him to do the same as mine ?

 

If he advertised it right and no-one else in the area does this then he should make enough money to cover the rental etc. It will also keep others happy who want to do the same as you. Mine done this for years now all he has is 2 adaptors and a pipe to link the 2 bottles the bigger one fills the smaller. Maybe a body shop might fill for you ?

 

Small bottles are ok but they last 5 mins and cost a bomb.

[Seals2]

argon shelid makes weldin abit more easier well i find it did! did ne 1 else fin this

[andy_rs2k]

As others have said Argon / co 2 mix will give best weld and least amount of splatter. Co2 is good enough but does generate more splatter and is generally cheaper.

[Mick The Mig]

Just checked my account with BOC ARGOsheild Light cost about £45 per year to rent the bottle and the same to fill it. I've never had problems with gas leaking from bottles. Remember to shut off supply valve when not in use. I even remove the regulator when the kit is not in use cos' if the bottle falls over your gauges will get busted. The guys at Medway BOC are very helpful and even though I am a small account user they have given good discounts on welding masks, gauges and wire.

[Mick The Mig]

If you are happy using CO2 and you have your own bottle, try getting it filled at a fire extingusher company. They fill extiguishers from huge bottles with lots of capacity.

[V8ian]

The main problem with using CO2, is it will give you hard welds, meaning the weld metal includes some of the carbon from the CO2, Carbon is used in steel for hardening, not a problem with the weld in most situations, but its a bugger to dress back

[60ftman]

I find that Argoshield makes the weld burn hotter, and CO2 colder, so I'd recommend CO2 if you're not that experienced.

[Mad Mex]

argoshield is the best gas to use without doubt, least splatter, keeps the weld pool clear of contaminates and produces a neater stronger weld, check a site called mig-welding.co.uk, think there's a link on this site somewhere, lots of good advice n tip's

[deluxemk1]

ARGOSHIELD CO2 should be kept in fire extinguishers on in the pub

[micky-c]

argonsheild is what i use and it works for me

[alladdin]

i used co2 from a pub for years, its messy with spatter and harder to weld as the ark drops out (stops) a lot. it does however work fine and is cheap/free if you visit a landlord as often as i do (did,sorry ).

however i got some argoshield light for my rebuild and its night and day better, makes me think im a pro ! better weld and MUCH easier as well.

[Mick The Cabbie]

I use BOC argoshield light. Worth every penny