Topic: Whats the best shielding gas?

[ToYocRawleR]

I have a mig welder and im curently running flux cored wire, i want to switch to gas but im not sure which gas is best.  What do you guys run or what would you run?  Keep in mind im just just welding steel mainly 1/4" thick. Any input is apprciated!

[jonathan82toy]

75%Argon   25%carbodioxcide

[emsvitil]

For mild steel you can use 100% CO2

[brainlessfool]

75%Argon   25%carbodioxcide

x2
















or just shove the tube up ya works for me!

[ToYocRawleR [OP]]

Whats the down side of running straight co2? more than likely thats what i will get, has any one had experience with just the co2?

[Duffil]

Whats the down side of running straight co2? more than likely thats what i will get, has any one had experience with just the co2?

it's less expensive, but the weld ain't quite as purrdy as with 75/25 or trimix.  I think at 18.50 for a 50lb bottle (think 5ft cylinder)its well worth it.

[ToYocRawleR [OP]]

But the weld is prettier than that of flux cored welding?

[emsvitil]

But the weld is prettier than that of flux cored welding?

Flux cored looks just like an arc weld, slag and all

I don't get any slag with CO2

[Duffil]

But the weld is prettier than that of flux cored welding?

[skipnrocks]

75%Argon   25%carbodioxcide

I read that this is the most versitile gas for fab work, and is supposed to produce more consistant welds especially when not using new or clean steal.  But the pure co2 is supposed to provide better pennetration, but the welds arnt supposed to be as consistant or clean.   Its all about preferance and knowing what your going to be welding on.  I use 75/25 and have had real good luck on a variety of metals...

[NT-OUTBACK]

Taco Bell

[ToYocRawleR [OP]]

I own taco bell!

[ToYocRawleR [OP]]

So let me know which one you would use.

[Hammerhead]

Go with the 75/25.  It'll give the best results all the way around for most fab work and is much more controllable.