Adams gas advice

[funstuie]

I am looking to get some gas from Adams through their ebay listings

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Welding-Gas-C...39:1|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I am going this way as I can pay with paypal as I have the money in my paypal. But what mix should i go for? 5% or 20% I will be welding mild steel in a garage.

Also I have a clarke 130 which is currently setup for disposables what do I need to get to convert it to use the big bottle?

Cheers
Stu

 

[shenion]

For mild steel and short arc you want 20%

5% is for spray transfer (>200A).

You will need a regulator and adapter for the 4mm hose. Weldequip should be able to get you what you need.

 

[malcolm]

I'm glad you answered that one Shenion. The confusion in the UK is it's common to have 2% oxygen in the mix which is equivalent to 15% CO2. Those Adams gas bottles don't contain any oxygen so far as I'm aware.

EDIT> They do contain oxygen! So 5% CO2 and 2% oxygen is the same as BOC Argoshield Light in the UK. Read below.

 

[shenion]

Yes, you should add a note on you gas comparison that tri-mix and regular Ar/CO2 are completely different and can't be compared by the CO2 percentage.

On this side of the pond, tri-mix is rare (so are rentals for DIY use.) Most use Argoshield C25 (25% CO2 and no oxygen.)

 

[malcolm]

Good point - I've added a note about the differences UK to US.

 

[shenion]

DIY welders would be unlikely to notice any difference between Argoshield and Argon/CO2 mixes from other gas suppliers.

I'm sure each gas supplier will say theirs is far better

Use what you can get from your supplier. Unless you are doing production, using the "perfect gas" is not critical.

Tri-mix does have an advantage as you can get away with it on stainless. High CO2 will have detrimental effects. Here, Ar/O2 is specified or Ar/He mixes for stainless. I have had good results with 8% CO2 on stainless.

Argoshield tri-mix does look to be equivalent to about 15% CO2 Ar/CO2. Welds look a bit tall but that makes it easier on thin metal as a wide weld pool will blow through real easily.

 

[jrmig]

You got me going now!

Just checked in the garage and the label on my Adams Gas bottle says it contains 2% Oxygen, 5% CO2 the rest Argon which makes it equivalent to BOC Argoshield light. In fact on their website they advertise it as equivalent.

Anyway I hope it does otherwise I've got the wrong gas. It does weld 20g light steel nicely though

May just double check with Adams Gas in the morning

jrmig

 

[marknotgeorge]

You got me going now!

Just checked in the garage and the label on my Adams Gas bottle says it contains 2% Oxygen, 5% CO2 the rest Argon which makes it equivalent to BOC Argoshield light. In fact on their website they advertise it as equivalent.

Anyway I hope it does otherwise I've got the wrong gas. It does weld 20g light steel nicely though

May just double check with Adams Gas in the morning

jrmig

I've got this gas as well.

 

[malcolm]

You'd think they would mention that on their eBay advert. Worth a phone call if anyone is in touch with them.

So it sounds like they might be 5% CO2, 2% O2 which is identical to BOC Argoshield Light, and thus ideal for thin metal. The 20% CO2 sounds like it is similar to Argoshield Heavy which is the stuff for thick metal.

 

[jrmig]

Have just spoken to Adams Gas and yes it does contain 2% Oxygen so it is equivalent to Argoshield light and suitable for mild steel. Whew!

jrmig

 

[TurboShed]

Ok, so it's 5% CO2 mix I want for thin metal, ie. car bodywork? Been considering Adams Gas offerings.

 

[fingers99]

Yep.