MIG welding, use Argon/CO2 or all CO2?

[mabrodis]

Curious what others are using for the shielding gas when MIG welding (normal steel welding here, I know with aluminum you are sposeto use all Argon). I have only ever used a Argon/CO2 mix, 75% AR and 25% CO2, from where I get it, it's called SilverShield. I know some people just use straight CO2 however for welding. Are the results as good? I'm curious because straight CO2 is alot cheaper than the mix. They wouldn't fill a mix bottle with just CO2 would they? I'm guessing no, but curious.

Thanks,
Mark Brodis

 

[yooper]

mix is easier. I forget why.

 

[Junk]

Brodis, the C25 mix you're calling Silvershield is much better than straight CO2. If you start doing spray transfer (vs short circuit), then you'll get into all types of mixes. Keep in mind that usually the cost to fill a larger bottle is not that much more than for a small one so buy the bigger ones to save coin if that's your goal.

or just go flux core

 

[woody]

I run only mix, after many discussions with my local welding experts (Miller's plant is in town, lots of friends there), the basic results were: Straight CO2 provides a slightly better strength weld, but the mix gas provides a significantly cleaner weld and creates much less spatter.

I've had zero complaints with mix, and am close to replacing another bottle myself...

 

[mabrodis]

Damn you people are predictable, I figured I'd get exactly these answers!

Junk - the larger bottle is what I have now. I had setup MIG welding on my little Weldpak 100 (raw power baby!! ), so I needed a bottle and figured cost effective-wise get the biggest...so I have a #2 I think it's called, about 5' tall, heavy as hell. Totally dwarfed the welder.. Now I have the bottle but no welder (traded the welder to my dad for a motorcycle, since I wanted a 175-ish one anyway). So I guess I don't need to worry about CO2...cool...

Thanks..
Mark