That’s what we ran with 720 dual shield wire at a shop before. Not sure about hard wire. Actually when we ran some 035 there we ran 75/25. We did accidentally used c02 and didn’t seem to be much of a difference if I remember right

 

Lots of people do. My Tweco MIG even has settings for 100% Co2 on the door chart. Runs hotter than 75-25.

 

Straight Co2 works for MIG just fine. It won't be quite as clean as something like a 75/25 blend, but still way cleaner than flux core. It will actually give a bit better penetration compared to the blends. Some people say it's a touch harder to dial in perfectly compared to the blends, but that's getting pretty far down into the weeds.

 

you can but the welds will not look as good as they would with a mix. Mix gas allows the weld to wet better and flow out better. You tend to get taller welds when using straight CO2. The only time I use straight CO2 is when I tig weld.

 

You mean argon... right? CO2 doesn't work with TIG.

 

Co2 works good, uses a little more voltage, use less stick out and check that nozzle and tip are close to flush.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

As was said, yes you can use straight 100% CO2, just dial it in just like any other wirefeed process; adjust the voltage to suit the WFS. And even if you do go this route, you should still set up ventilation if you are in an enclosed space, as MIG welding with gas still produces fumes/smoke that you should not breath. And yes you would be able to see the puddle better.

 

Also a very good fresh clean ground and removing mill scale increases success.

50#s CO2 which is 450+ cu ft was $17
20# was $15
A 300 75/25 was $35
Last week

 

50#s CO2 which is 450+ cu ft was $17
20# was $15
A 300 75/25 was $35
Last week

It's not the difference in fill costs that gives me pause from making the jump to C25, it's the initial tank cost. The tanks that hold high pressure C25 are a lot more expensive than the lower pressure CO2 tanks.

 

I have written lots of posts on this board about welding with straight CO2 (use search to get them and get more info). When I owned a Hobart Handler 190, that machine LOVED straight CO2. My MM255 has a program specifically for straight CO2. If you can get a welder with a program for straight CO2, and/or a machine with variable inductance settings, those will run CO2 a bit better than machines without it. A 20 lb canister of CO2 provides 177 cubic feet of gas. You need a special adapter to fit your regulator into a CO2 tank, and you have to use the nylon washer they provide to keep your regulator from freezing up. I never noticed all that much difference between straight CO2 and 75/25 gas IF the CO2 was properly dialed in. I think it gets a bad rap for being dirty or creating excess spatter. That has never been my experience.

 

New 20lb CO2 tank is $160 which you can get filled. Gas company probably charges a $100 or so plus the gas for the same used tank.
A new 150 cu ft/580 valve tank is $240


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I think you are better off buying the tank used on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist and taking it in for an exchange. I got my 20 lb tank for $20. I see them often for $50 around here.

 

Dont know why I said CO2 for Tig.. yes, i use 100% argon. I must have been tired

 

Some machines just flat out run better than others with C02.. Even the ones with straight CO2 programming, and or inductance can never seem to match ones that just get it right from the get go..I have found brands of wire can make a difference too..

 

CO2 is always cheaper for me, no matter how good a price on mixed gas.. I get good prices too.. Generally it's true for most people too..You have to look at a 25 pound C02 compared to about a 150 Cf mixed, to compare across the board.

 

Fugg up

 

Well, I was just about to shout Bullsh*t

But, a commercial account might be part of the difference

Although that seems to be quite a big difference, but then again, I live in the constipation state.

Here is my receipt from January 16, 2023
For a 200 tank of 75/25
RENTAL TANK

My other tank is a 300 with straight argon
When the time comes, I will be bringing that to another company.
(I own the 300)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Your full name, address and phone number show in the picture

 

The time before last, I got my 25 pound filled at Airgas for $3.50 They always wave the BullSh##t Hazmat fees too.. For normal people CO2 is way cheaper, and most commercial accounts too.(Overall)

 

Anyway, I'll try that again

This receipt is for a 200 tank at Airgas in Connecticut
January 2023
Rental tank swap

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

Dam dude........=\

 

My tank costs here in SC at Welders Supply House are:
CO2 - $40
75 - 25 - $71
Argon 100% - $65

 

why bother posting if you dont even include the bottle size

 

PS
Who says you can't weld rust?
[emoji1787]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

Part problem is the 120 v welder.
I have fluxcore since about 1980.
The only problem I had when try the 120 v welders they did not work with or without gas.
I gave up and purchased a 240 v welder and now welds great.

Dave

 

Wouldn't a 240v flux core welder blow through thin steel as easily as a 120v?

 

Amps are amps, melting wire is melting wire. A 240V welder will draw less amps from the house circuit than a 120, but if set correctly will be putting out the same amps to the wire.
I started out with a crappy HF flux core welder and for me it was just not adjustable enough to dial down for thinner metals. If you get a better welder you should get better heat control. I also would not get hung up on how much money you can save with 100% CO2 if you are just going to hobby weld. I have had my tank of 75-25 for a couple of years (or more) and still have gas in the tank. I also got away from flux core to have cleaner welds so going to a more inert mix was a simple choice.

 

Paid 59$ for a 336 argon exchange earlier this week. Used the old bosses account name

40$ for a 150 oxygen

And 51$ for a 75 acetylene.

 

as mentioned keep searching Craig's List/Facebook Market place for CO2 jugs/tanks/cylinder

If / when you get a CO2 tank you'll need an adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/CGA-320-CGA-580-Adapter-Dioxide-Flowmeter/dp/B06W5P767K

 

Hobart used to sell a kit that allowed you to run a paintball Co2 tank on a mig welder.

Totally awesome for portable work I would think. Obviously there was a reason they stopped selling it, either lack of demand or lack of intended function. I wish I would of snagged one though.

https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/...ols/welding-equipment/product/10103372/hobart-welders-portable-co2-cylinder-kit

 

Hobart used to sell a kit that allowed you to run a paintball Co2 tank on a mig welder.

Totally awesome for portable work I would think. Obviously there was a reason they stopped selling it, either lack of demand or lack of intended function. I wish I would of snagged one though.

https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/...ols/welding-equipment/product/10103372/hobart-welders-portable-co2-cylinder-kit

Must have been lack of demand. Jody at weldingtipsandtricks.com has done videos using one of those on his Hobart Handler. Worked great.

 

You could probably buy the fittings and make one yourself.
Just use a standard regulator instead of that fixed pressure regulator gadget


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

One of these would give you roughly 20 cubic feet of gas. https://www.amazon.com/Luxfer-Alumi...id=1677173961&sr=8-32&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb

 

So is straight CO2 now more expensive than C25 due to shortage?