Another newbie

[clk]

Hi to all on here.

Been lurking for sometime now and now that I think I have some sensible questions to ask, I thought I'd de-lurk.

I 'm picking up a Clarke 160 te and have a couple of questions regarding gas. I intend to making up some security grills and some frames. Not decided on how I'll set about making the grills but intend using something like 30 x 30 x 4mm angle for the frames.

After reading some of the benefits of using Argoshield, I'll bit the bullet and rent a cylinder from BOC, but I'm not sure which argoshield to use. I was told by a BOC person that welding mild steel between 4 and 10 mm - the universal is the correct gas, is this right? or could I use the light?

Secondly, I'll be taking the setup to my place in France, does anyone here know of a French equivalent to Argoshield?

Third and last question, how much welding could I do with a cylinder ( I think BOC man said it was about 900 high and 140 Diameter) that appeared to suit my needs, handling wise.

Anyway, keep up the good work, the forums been very helpfull.


Cheers,


Chris

 

[malcolm]

Welcome to the forum and well done for not lurking any more.

From the gas bottle size it sounds like you've been offered size X. That will hold 2,300 litres of gas so at a flow rate of 10L per minute you'd be looking at 230 minutes of constant use. Doesn't sound much, but I'd guess that's about 40 metres of weld for thin metal.

The advantage of Arogshield universal and heavy is increased CO2 content which improves penetration on thick stuff so you don't need such a big welder. I use light, but most of my work is below 2mm. My feeling is go for light if you might be welding thinner stuff in the future.

Having said that, the 160 will struggle with anything over maybe 7mm, Without V'd joints only 4 or 5mm, so the universal might be useful to give it a bit of a push.

No idea about French gas. Someone else might be able to help with that one.