Hobbyweld 5 not working as well as CO2

[many_methods]

Hi,
Recently made the switch to Hobbyweld 5 mix gas from the old disposable co2 bottles. However, I'm having real problems with this setup now. With the co2 I get a nice, consistent bead with decent penetration. When I switch to Hobbyweld gas the wire seems to burn so much quicker, to the point where it it just pools right up by the torch instead of on the metal I'm actually trying to weld. I can overcome it by turning the wire speed up but then I get really tall beads and little penetration. It's doing my nut!

The regulator shows a flow rate of 35litres a min. I'm trying to weld 3mm sheet mild steel with 0.6mm wire.

Any ideas?

Cheers
Rob

 

[the snooper]

Turn down the power with co2 you need more power and you only need 10 lpm

 

[Tom Orrow L]

As snoop says, 35 litres a minute is way way too much. Between 8-10 LPM will do with mix.

 

[arther dailey]

Havent used straight Co2, but from other threads etc on here under the impression you get more penetration with it, so think you would need to up the voltage with mix to get same penetration and adjust wire speed to suit.

 

[Johnseat]

I've read that with straight up pub gas the bead tends to be more fluid and less controlable as apposed to a 5% mix and also that the wore penetrates better with a mix so less power is required.

 

[arther dailey]

No doubt some one will clarify eh! where is PDG when you need him?

 

[many_methods]

Still no luck with this. Have tried everything: different voltages, wire speeds, torch angles/distances and flow rates (literally down to no gas). The problem remains: wire burns and pools at the the torch instead of on the work piece. Change back to co2 and the problem disappears instantly. Have double checked the cylinder and it definitely says hobbyweld5... and not Hydrogen!!!

 

[mike 109444]

Could it be that they have miss labeled / filled it and you have pure argon ?
If it was hydrogen I think you would have a blow lamp !

 

[arther dailey]

Is there anybody on the forum close by could pop around ?

 

[many_methods]

Ha. Not a bad idea. I'd be happy to provide tea/cake/beer* if so! Based in South Croydon area for anyone interested.

*Free beer subject to fixing the problem

 

[the snooper]

Is there anybody on the forum close by could pop around ?

with a mild steel argon / CO2 cylinder to rule it out or confirm bad gas

 

[many_methods]

Been away but now keen to crack on with sorting this out. If there is anyone local who could assist I'd be happy to bring my setup to you rather than expect you to come to me. Around most evenings and weekends. Cheers.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I may be talking rubbish here but something is ringing a distant bell re polarity, with Co2 I am sure someone wrote they got a much better weld (rightly or wrongly) with the machine set up for gasless.

Is your polarity switchable? if so is it set to gas?

 

[dobbslc]

Sounds pretty well exactly the same as I had the other day.
I was trying to mig weld with Argon! I won't try that again.

 

[many_methods]

The polarity is switchable, though it is already set for gas. I'll give a go the other way round. Nothing to lose I suppose.

Dobblsc - interesting that you've had similar problems. I was beginning to think I was the only person not relishing the switch from CO2 to Argon/mix! Think I'll be switching back at this rate too, it's just a shame I've spent over £100 on a 9L cylinder of gas and a new regulator!

 

[gt6s]

I know my wallet is happier with BOC, Volkszone deal Half the price for a fill over Hobbyweld.

Laurence