25 replies to this topic

[mini_matt_106]

Hi all, I need to get a gas bottle that will last longer than 15 minutes like the small ones do.
I've seen lots of options including co2 and argon/co2, as I understand it the argon/co2 will be better, is that right?
I'd also like a recommendation on where to get it from? Ideally a rent free bottle because I won't be welding everyday, I need to do sills and a few patches.
Anyone here used adamsgas?
Thanks for the help
Matt

[mini_matt_106]

Oh and I'm in Andover Hampshire

[Mervyn]

I use pub gas (co2) for my mig, seems fine

Rest of my gases for tig or stainless (argon , argoshield) I get from a local welding supplier

I had a quick Google and found the following near you

http://www.andoverpa....uk/13/Pub_Gas/

http://www.thehomebr...ead.php?t=55319

Merv

[Mervyn]

Youll need a regulator too, with a 4mm tail

http://www.ebay.co.u...bIAAOSwax5YuCKX

http://www.ebay.co.u...SqwTxNTx4hILXRw

[Simont]

I use 5% argon/Co2 mix from motorparts direct, It is a reseller of SGS gasses,
according to the sgs website your local outfit seems to be dorset autospares in Andover
http://www.dorsetautospares.com/

 

also for shielding gas info;

 

 

http://www.bernardwe...91#.WYDPQemQyUk

 

"Adding argon to a CO2 shielding gas is also an option for materials like carbon steel. It provides consistent weld quality and appearance and good weld pool control, and can help minimize post-weld cleanup"

Edited by Simont, 01 August 2017 - 07:03 PM.

[Daz1968]

I have a y sized cylinder from boc argoshield light, very good deal on the hobby scheme, about £1 per week rental and £38 approx for a refill which is 20 litres at 230bar, works out much cheaper for me than the hobby weld cylinders which are 9 litres at 130bar.

Really depends on how much you plan to use it, more than 1 refill on a hobby weld and the boc deal works out cheaper.
I managed to empty a hobby weld cylinder in one weekends worth of welding when I started my project,

[Swift_General]

I use SGS gas also. 20 litres at 200 bar. Last refill if memory serves me was about £65 but it is rent free. So you need to do the maths to work out the best deal for your usage.

[mini_matt_106]

I didn't realise box was that cheap! I expected it to be much more

[mini_matt_106]

Boc even

[Mervyn]

Pub bottle are about 20 quid a refill and no deposit, your call. Personally never had an issue . I've used it for body repairs for many , many years with no problems.

Merv

[Luapno]

try these http://www.hobbyweld.co.uk

[mini_matt_106]

Pub bottle are about 20 quid a refill and no deposit, your call. Personally never had an issue . I've used it for body repairs for many , many years with no problems.

Merv

£20 and no deposit!?
Only just looked at the link to andover patio centre, been in there before.

My welding is crap anyway so I'm going to have to clean it up loads so may as well use co2 if people find it ok, I did test co2 and argon/co2 back to back with the little canisters and the argon did seem more stable less spitting.

[minimans]

Get yourself a flow meter instead of a pressure type gauge and if your welding steel 5% Argon is good for most steels. Cant offer advice on where to buy as I'm in the USA. Bottle rentals went out years ago...............

[tiger99]

If you are relatively inexperienced, CO2 is much more difficult to use than argon/5% CO2. The mixture is much more controllable and gives better looking welds. Other mixtures fine tune the ferocity and stability of the arc and depth of penetration, but argon/5% CO2 turns out to be best for thin sheet steel.

[DomCr250]

Looks like the £22 price quoted is for a 6.5Kg bottle .. That's basically the same size as a small fire extinguisher bottle, so depending on your usage it wont last that long.  A BOC Size Y bottle weighs in at 40KG full.

 

I was a BOC customer for years, switched to SGS, but when SGS hiked up their prices switched back to BOC on the Volkszone deal - it's a great deal and you get the choice of Argonshield mixes and also pure Argon if you want to start playing with a TIG.

 

As above, It all depends on your usage ...

Edited by DomCr250, 03 August 2017 - 01:32 PM.