Argon on MIG?

[Slimer]

So on my many many hours of youtube education, i have seen a couple of times the claim Argon can be used for any steel/stainless/alli MIG welding as it is a universal gas, and is best because it produces cleaner welds compared to CO2.

I know CO2 is cheaper, but using the above info i have gathered, i want to use pure Argon to get a cleaner weld as i am brand spanking new and i want to see where i am going wrong when i start practising

Could one of you helpful chaps confirm or correct the info i have? Thanks guys.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Your many many hours of youtube education have been wasted, pure argon is not the correct gas to use for mig welding unless you are only welding alu.

Argon/co2 mix is the gas of choice.

 

[Slimer]

ohhh fair enough. well, happy days, that is cheaper. thanks for the correction, gotta double check these days for everything

 

[Wozzaaah]

To clarify, ar/co2 isn't a 'universal' gas, it's no good on alu (you do need pure argon for that) and strictly speaking it's not the one to use for stainless though it will work but for those of us that only tend to weld mild steel it's the one to use.

 

[Slimer]

mild steel for me until i can produce a weld that looks good and functions. i am a long way away from anything shiny