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I have a miller 210 with the 25/75 mix gas. Mix is all I ever used since I never welded Alum or had a spool gun. Since I have the 250EX now I am wondering if I could use argon for everything in the mig instead of the mix? Any drawbacks other than cost? Reason being I could swap bottles in case I run out with one or the other. Mix gas bottle in the mig is low now so will need to get a refill soon. Ski
Nope, straight argon won't work for steel when mig welding. It won't be hot enough and would give poor penetration.
Zoama585 is correct, pure argon will not work well. I have tried pure argon with my Miller 252 and the pure argon does not short arc well at all. I was reading the welders handbook last night on a 4 hr flight, for short arc transfer the best gas is either CO2 or 20-25% CO2 mixed with argon. The CO2 is reactive and helps heat up the weld providing the penetration Zoma is speaking about.Quote:
Originally Posted by zoama585
Thanks for the info. I learned most of what I know about welding on the job which started in the USAF and then another round in the USMC and then worked for Schneider [Orange trucks] and learned what little I know about welding there. I was good at stick and gas and picked up mig quickly although I wouldn't pretend to know what I'm doing so thankfull for all help/tips/tricks and critisisms given. This old dog loves learning new tricks!! Thanks again,Ski