Mig welding gas

[Sal Lubrano]

I got my first mig welder today and I still need to get a bottle with gas. My question is which gas would be the best for automotive work. I know they come with different percentages of argon/co2. Thanks
Sal

 

[GOT JCE]

Welding

Any type of bodywork you could use straight CO2(the cheapest)but 75 argon/25 co2 is what the majority of people use.To bad you weren"t in CT I could hook you up with some tanks!!!!!:wink:

 

[GOT JCE]

Also if you do any stainless work a mix of 88argon/10co2 and 2 oxygen will work pretty good.It also works great on mild steel stuff. This way you only have to use 1 cyl to do stainless and mild steel.If you weld Aluminum straight argon is the way to go.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

What brand mig welder did you get? ESAB 12 years and running, that thing will never die
BW

 

[Morbid]

C-25 SHIELDING GAS (75% Argon, 25% CO2 ) as mentioned is the best if your working w/mild steel. Which is what mostly all cars are (mild steel gauge < 18).

I'm glad to see your at least going to use Gas. Many people start out wanting to use Flux Core wire (gasless). While it's do-able the heat needed is higher so panel warping and blow-throughs are common. Not to mention there is a heck of a lot more grinding to do to finish up.

Your probably better off renting the bottle from a local welding supplier as many won't fill bottles/cylinders you bring in from somewhere else. Even if it's new. Sometimes that's based on size.

Something to do with their liability in case of explosion from a faulty one and each is supposed to be re-certified after so many years. I think 5 or something like that.

Greg

 

[turbofabricator]

75/25 works the best for most stuff. Buy a bottle (around $50-$75 depending on size)

 

[aminga]

Best place to get the gas for the hobbist is at a tractor supply or other place that has GasPony cylinder change. You can bet that when you really need the gas (on a weekend) the welding shop will be closed.

By the biggest bottle you can afford because it doesn't cost that much more refill a 20cu ft bottle than a 40cuft bottle.

 

[Sal Lubrano]

I was actually given this welder as a gift. They got me the 3200hd from Homedepot. I wanted a 120volt unit so it could be portable. I was going to get a 20cuft bottle because I think that is the largest bottle which will go in the stand the welder came with but I am going to check to see if a 40cuft will fit. Thank You for all the help. I am going to check out prices locally for some 75-25. I have found a internet place which sells the 40cu-ft filled and shipped for $155. Cyberweld.com - Welding Supplies - Miller, Hobart & More Really don't think I am going to beat that price but I am going to check. Thank You.
Sal

 

[Morbid]

I brought my Millermatic 140 w/Autoset from Cyberweld and often get other welding supplies from them.

Great prices, fast shipping, friendly and courteous customer service over the phone if you need it. I guess you can tell I highly recommend them. :biggrin: :biggrin:

When you call around locally checking prices make sure to ask if they will re-fill bottles you bring in.

Greg

 

[Sal Lubrano]

I just found out that the cart which comes with the lit only holds a 20cu-ft cylinder. How long will a 20cu-ft cylinder last? I am thinkking about getting a better cart so I can purchase a larger cylinder if the 20 too small.

 

[aminga]

I just found out that the cart which comes with the lit only holds a 20cu-ft cylinder. How long will a 20cu-ft cylinder last? I am thinkking about getting a better cart so I can purchase a larger cylinder if the 20 too small.

I have built a small utility trailer using a 40 Cu Ft cylinder.

 

[Morbid]

I just found out that the cart which comes with the lit only holds a 20cu-ft cylinder. How long will a 20cu-ft cylinder last? I am thinkking about getting a better cart so I can purchase a larger cylinder if the 20 too small.

This is the cart I brought from WeldingDepot and it holds my 40 CU bottle. As to how long a 20 CU cylinder will last is obviously based on usage so it's really hard to say.

Again if your going to buy a cylinder then you want to get the biggest you can afford since once it's yours it's yours till you sell it. If you rent the cylinder then you can trade up for a bigger one when you go to re-fill/exchange it, at some cost.

Greg