C02 Vs C02/Argon

[Stereophoney]

I've been scanning the forums for a few days now and i'm wondering which gas is better for auto body repairs ?

I'm looking at getting a bigger bottle than the disposables and i'm looking at the reg kit from weldequip but i'm not sure which to go for

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Gaz

 

[steviec_lj]

Personally, CO2.

I find that CO2/Ar makes the arc burn hotter, and blow through more often.

Maybe its just my technique? But personally on the thin stuff I prefer plain old CO2.

 

[Stereophoney]

Ah right, i can't make up my mind everything i read seems to contradict itself

 

[superls]

surely if your blowing holes the answer is to turn down the power, not have 2 separate gas bottles?

 

[Stereophoney]

surely if your blowing holes the answer is to turn down the power, not have 2 separate gas bottles?

I'm not blowing holes i'm just trying to determine which type of gas is preferred before i go and purchase gas and the relevent regulator

 

[pedrobedro]

CO2 is used on thicker section because it gives a hotter arc and better penetration. It also causes more spatter. Ar/CO2 mix gas gives a better weld profile and cleaner weld on thinner material.

 

[Stereophoney]

Cheers pedro that ties in with the car body repairs then so ar/co2 it is

 

[malcolm]

There's a little info here: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/welding-gas.htm

CO2/Argon has a smoother arc, is easier to use, and allows a greater range of technique (ie lower wire speed). Plain CO2 won't support an arc at low voltages (probably a problem if you have a welder that goes down below 30 amps). Generally CO2/Argon mix with 0.6mm wire is the best for car bodywork, though it can depend on the machine and others have their own preferences.

 

[squazy84]

what about pure argon?its all i have at the moment and it works ok but ive not got co2/argon to compare it to,i just use the gas for my tig welder at the mo,any views?

 

[Stereophoney]

There's a little info here: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/welding-gas.htm

CO2/Argon has a smoother arc, is easier to use, and allows a greater range of technique (ie lower wire speed). Plain CO2 won't support an arc at low voltages (probably a problem if you have a welder that goes down below 30 amps). Generally CO2/Argon mix with 0.6mm wire is the best for car bodywork, though it can depend on the machine and others have their own preferences.

Cheers malcolm that's a huge help, i did read the article before but read contradicting comments which confused me a little, i'm running a clarke 105en which goes down to 30amp i believe and using 0.6mm wire so i'm halfway there

 

[shenion]

what about pure argon?its all i have at the moment and it works ok but ive not got co2/argon to compare it to,i just use the gas for my tig welder at the mo,any views?

Pure argon will leave tall welds. The cooling effect of the argon will prevent the weld pool from flattening out.

I used it for a while and it was ok but welds were tall and narrow.

 

[chunkolini]

Pure argon?
Tried that, gives a horrible raised bead and poor penetration and more spatter.
the oxygen and CO2 help to break the surface tension on the weld pool allowing it to flow better giving a better profile.
Definitely get the mixed gas.

Chunko'