25 replies to this topic

[Mervyn]

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.

Co2 is hardly any different, we're not welding a nuclear containment vessel.. why exaggerate?

He'll be fine with pure co2 and obviously just starting out, why spend all that money on rental and gas, for a little hobby migging? I've used argon mix when co2 has run out, it's just not that noticeable on the short weld bursts used on minis

Merv

[Steve220]

I'm not the greatest of welders and still learning. However, I use hobbyweld 5 and getting great results after a fair bit of practice!

[sonikk4]

 

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.

Co2 is hardly any different, we're not welding a nuclear containment vessel.. why exaggerate?

He'll be fine with pure co2 and obviously just starting out, why spend all that money on rental and gas, for a little hobby migging? I've used argon mix when co2 has run out, it's just not that noticeable on the short weld bursts used on minis

Merv

 

 

I used nothing but pub gas for a very long time, never ever had an issue with it. Decent welds, decent penetration. More than good enough for MOT's and the German TUV test as well.

 

I used to get the biggest bottle possible from the NAAFI which at the time (early 90's in Germany) was the easiest route for obtaining it. 3 years of welding for TUV tests and BFG.

[mini_matt_106]

Thank you all for your input! I've been on this forum a long time and there seemed to be a lot less people active here than a few years ago but you lot have restored my faith in the forum :)

[mini_matt_106]

One more question, I was going to buy a regulator tonight, but are they all the same? There seem to be sideways ones and upright ones

[minimans]

I found using a flow gauge regulator the best as you don't waste gas by having excessive flow from using a pressure gauge type.

(It's the type with a little clear tower with a ball floating on the gas)

[sonikk4]

To be honest, if your gauges are knackered then a gentle hiss of gas is all you need inside. No howling gale as you will burn through your gas supply. Upright will be fine.

[mini_matt_106]

I found using a flow gauge regulator the best as you don't waste gas by having excessive flow from using a pressure gauge type.
(It's the type with a little clear tower with a ball floating on the gas)

Wish I'd read this 10mins ago! Would've saved a tenner! Oh well.

[DomCr250]

To be honest, if your gauges are knackered then a gentle hiss of gas is all you need inside. No howling gale as you will burn through your gas supply. Upright will be fine.

Thats all I have ever done too ... only thing to make sure is that the wire does not poke you in the ear when sticking the gun near your ear and pressing the trigger:-)

[minimans]

 

To be honest, if your gauges are knackered then a gentle hiss of gas is all you need inside. No howling gale as you will burn through your gas supply. Upright will be fine.

Thats all I have ever done too ... only thing to make sure is that the wire does not poke you in the ear when sticking the gun near your ear and pressing the trigger:-)

 

Too funny!!!

[mini_matt_106]

Hahaha brilliant!!
I went for co2 because it's local and cheap!