What are my options for gas & where to get it?

[reggieroo]

Hi Guys,

New to welding & just bought a second hand Clarke 150TE mig with a disposable bottle. This obviously isn't going to last very long once I get started.

I'm going to be doing some welding jobs on my Range Rover classic, wondering what type of gas is best to use & where do I get it from? I don't really want to rent or pay a yearly fee as I'll probably do a few jobs then that will be it for a while. I'm based in Worcestershire.

What are my options?

 

[rtbcomp]

Have you had a look at the suppliers list and price spreadsheet in the links near the top of the page?

 

[ibrooks]

You might be surprised - I have the same welder and tend to use the high capacity CO2 disposables from Machinemart and they last for ages. Conversely the same size bottles of Argon on the TIG don't last any time by comparison.

Iain

 

[reggieroo]

I've had a quick look at the list of suppliers but still unsure what my best options are regarding what type of gas to use & what options are available for diy welders like myself with regards to renting etc. I'm only a novice, just bought a welder & have no idea what's what.

Talking to a friend of mine at the weekend he seems to have trouble getting his bottle refilled. He used to use a company that his friend had a business account with but even then it was hassle for him. They were really strict & moaned about him turning up in a car to refill instead of a company van etc.

Now he doesn't know himself where to get his gas refilled, as that little arrangement has now been terminated.

For now I'll use the disposable like you say Iain & see how long it lasts.

 

[rtbcomp]

CO2 will last longer because it's a liquid in the bottle, gas mixes are gas.

 

[reggieroo]

I've just had a quick look at the C02 vs Argosheild test you have here & I would be better off with the Argon/C02 by the looks of things. Would this make things easier for a novice welder like myself who is learning the ropes or would I not notice the difference?

 

[creator of many things]

depending where you are look at my post below this thread.