Newbie: Best Gas Mix for Mild & S/Steels?

[youngm]

Hi,

What's the best gas to use when experimenting with welding both mild and stainless steels?

I was going to hire a Argon/CO2 mix for mild steels, but is that also suitable for S/steel welding?

Advice much appreciated

 

[youngm]

Hi mate welcome, If its mig welding then a light argon co2 mix (5% argon) will be good for both .cheers..pete.

Pete, thanks for the response.

Since I'm only just learning to weld / MIG, I really don't want to have to rent two separate gas bottles. I've read that a tri-mix gas is best for s/steels, but maybe I'll give the light Argon/CO2 mixture a go first and see how I go.

I'm only planning to weld 16 gauge metals anyway (exhaust tubing).

Cheers!

 

[shenion]

Hi mate welcome, If its mig welding then a light argon co2 mix (5% argon) will be good for both .cheers..pete.

I think you meant light CO2 mixture (5% CO2).

You would not want higher amounts of CO2 for SS as it will add carbon to the weld.

Many have recommended Argoshield light that is Ar/CO2/O2 mix.

 

[bric-a-brac]

argoshield all the way

 

[HasBean]

I'm using Argoshield Universal as it was recommended to me by BOC as I weld 3-6mm usually, however I've since spoken to a chap at a local ironworks and they say they only use Argoshield Light regardless of the thickness.
What do you reckon, should I switch to the Light when my bottle runs out? (Could at least use the mig on s/less then)

 

[MarkG]

I'm using Argoshield Universal as it was recommended to me by BOC as I weld 3-6mm usually, however I've since spoken to a chap at a local ironworks and they say they only use Argoshield Light regardless of the thickness.
What do you reckon, should I switch to the Light when my bottle runs out? (Could at least use the mig on s/less then)

Argoshield Universal is designed for 5-10mm. Light is for up to 5-6mm, basically car body / chassis work.

Your BOC outlet should have known what gas to give you to start with TBH, they have charts etc which shows what gas is best for what thickness...

 

[HasBean]

Our BOC outlet over here are an agent run, quite literally, from 2 desks in a portacabin, so didn't expect too much.
Just wondered that if the local iron works use Argoshield Light on all thickness' would it be worth a try? (Same rental price afterall)

 

[MarkG]

Argoshield Universal is designed for 5-10mm. Light is for up to 5-6mm, basically car body / chassis work.

5-6mm bodywork what tank u drivin

5-6mm bodywork !!.... yeah I drive a Chieftan....lol..

Light if for UP TO 5-6mm.....

 

[bric-a-brac]

gas if its for car bodywork

if you are doing mostly car body work go get your self a co2 gas bottle . You know the one located behind all big stores doors . co2 gives a cooler weld but not looking quite as good as argoshield.as i said doint get boged down with B.O.C

 

[youngm]

I'm only doing 16 gauge exhaust tubing, ~ 1.6mm thickness.

The BOC stuff down here is expensive too... there's another mob called Supagas. Might give them a try.