Gasless welding

[bucko]

I have been practicing with my new welder there seams to be a bit more spatter than gas shield is this normal? I haven’t used a gasless before so some advise would be very useful.
The runs are looking good but I am a bit sick of having to go down to the basement to reset the barker think I might get a 25 amp barker tomorrow

 

[shenion]

Yes, gasless is messy.

What wire are you using? Good wire can make a difference.

 

[bucko]

Lincoln Electric .035" Innershield NR-211MP
its producing good welds but with more spatter than I was use to and thought I should check this was normal

 

[shenion]

That is good wire.

There are spatter sprays that make it easier to get the spatter off.

 

[bucko]

at some point i will get some gas but cash is a bit tight at the moment
not been in the usa long so not shore on prices I have seen a 80 cft bottle of argon co2 mix for $300 is that about right? But that was including free delivery

 

[shenion]

I paid about $175 for an 125 CF tank
80CF was about $158
Refill is about $78 if I remember right. That is for pure Argon, argon/CO2 will be a bit cheaper (I mix my own.)

$300 sounds like the ones on ebay Not bad including delivery.

Check your area for Linde/BOC/Air Products/Holox (all the same as they have merged.)

I have several places here. One is real close but they underfill tanks (1800PSI). The main location has the same price but fill to 2200 PSI. Worth the drive.

 

[bucko]

Thanks I might have drive up to Midwest welding supply and see what price they can do on a tank. But I will have to wait until I have welded the lower front control arm bracket on the jeep wont even try to get one of them in the GTI lol

 

[shenion]

Call them for a price. They will want to set up a contract for rental.

80CF is 4 hours of continuous welding. That is what I started with. It was a real pain driving across town to the main site so I went bigger.

You will buy a used tank. I made the mistake of buying a real nice, brand new CO2 tank with a rubber foot (Ebay deal.). I took and had it filled and I get it swapped for a beat up one with no boot. They don't fill tanks they swap them for filled ones. Their prices are a bit less than I have seen tanks on ebay.

Works out as you always get a certified tank; it never expires and needs retesting as long as you get it refilled.

My tank rides in my Cherokee belted in on the passenger seat.

 

[Richie]

Hi Shenion, how do you mix your own gas?

 

[shenion]

I have a Smith Gas Mixer.

You basically have two tanks and regulators. That feeds low-pressure gas to the mixer (top right in photo.)

They cost about $1500 US, I stumbled on one on ebay for $58 shipped.

 

[Richie]

Hi Shenion, do you see an improvement in your welds, with having the ability to alter the ratio of gases?

 

[shenion]

Initially it was just a curiosity. There were discussions here on what is the proper gas mix. I used it to do some comparisons. Tests were done with my little Clarke, so I could not do any heavy stuff.

I normally keep it at 75%/25%. If I am doing verticals, I usually dial it to 85/15. That makes the weld pool a bit less fluid.

WHen I want spray transfer, I dial it to 92%/8% (I rarely do spray transfer.)

I also set it to 95%/5% when using Stainless wire.

I found it does not really make a big difference in the welds. The profile changes a bit. The quality of the wire feed and technique have far more an effect.

Lately, I have been using 70/30 just because I an almost out of argon . I'm about to finish my 3rd 125CF bottle of argon; the CO2 tank (30 lb) still seems just as heavy as before.