Gas Mix 5 - 10 -15%

[Ewok]

I have always got my BOC Argoshield mix from HSS hire - but they have stopped doing it now so I'm shopping around for a rent free alternative (Near Diss Norfolk if anyone has any recommendations)

I'm welding predominately steel 3mm box section and the occasional 5 mm. My query is, is there anything to be gained by getting the 10 or 15% argon mix over the 5% I have been using - would I get less splatter and a smother weld?

Sorry if this has been covered before - I did have quick search... Cheers, Eric.

 

[HughF]

I've used both light, heavy and universal, can't tell much difference tbh. Higher argon % will allow you to get into spray transfer at a lower voltage if you're into that sort of thing...

Light will allow you to do some crude SS mig as well.

 

[Chris Stevens]

Using gas mix with 10-15% CO2 over 5%, will mean spatter increases quite a lot. More CO2 will heat the weld up a bit, but personally I would suggest you stay with 5%.

 

[T0rnado69]

Fosters Agricultural Services
Top Road
Wingfield
IP21 5QT

is the nearest boc industrial gas supply to Diss.

but have a look at the thread about hobby gas deal with boc.

 

[Ewok]

Many thanks. Just got a *removed for legal reasons* Uniweld to tide me over - But I need to sort out a more sensible supply. I'll find out about the BOC hobby side of things.

Gas - 5% it is then - cheers.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I costed hobby gas against industrial (inc bottle rental), and unless you are using very little gas, industrial is probably the best option.

 

[Ewok]

I get through one BOC X size Argoshield annually.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I get through one BOC X size Argoshield annually.

In your case hobby is likely to be cheaper then. Good old days before bottles bar coded, very easy to get fills on a m8s account, and avoid rental charges!

 

[Ewok]

HSS Hire used to sell the BOC refills - sadly no more...