CO2 as a TIG shielding gas

[chand3ler]

Hi there, I guess that there is a good reason for not using CO2 as TIG shielding gas, but what is it? Can CO2 be used but with reduced effectivness?

 

[Hitch]

Nope, no good at all i'm afraid. You will need pure argon.
Anything else such as coogar will allow the tungsten electrode to oxidise, rendering it virtually useless.

Pure argon,
Or argon/helium mix.... but thats not really a diyers gas.

 

[malcolm]

With MIG the wire moves very quickly and doesn't have the chance to oxidise in the shielding gas.

For TIG the tungston stays in the same spot all the time. It would be nuked in a few seconds by plain CO2. That's why all TIG work is done with a completely inert gas (normally pure argon) - it's to protect the tungsten.

 

[Drains]

Tungsten INERT gas.

Co2 isn't inert... say bye bye to Mr Tungsten.

 

[pedrobedro]

The carbon in the co2 will end up in the weld. Not always a good thing.

 

[wobblemonster]

Tungsten INERT gas.

Co2 isn't inert... say bye bye to Mr Tungsten.

MIG= Metal Inert Gas (Argon etc)
MAG=Metal Active Gas (CO2)
TIG=Tungsten Inert Gas(Argon)