Best gas mix when Mig welding mild steel

by Eric Brandenburg
(Ashland, Ky USA)

I was asking the local Miller dealer what was the best gas mix to use when welding on car parts and pieces. He said to strictly stay with 75% C02/25% argon. Umpteen years ago we hired a kid from Morley cooling tower company to work at the refinery. The welders had just received their 1st Mig machine this was in the middle 70's. They wouldn't use it because they had so much trouble with splatter. The FNG that had just come to work with us, told us to get off 100% Co2, and switch to 85% Co2/15% argon. It was a difference between day and night. Sometimes change is very difficult, especially when you have the blind, leading the miss-inforned. When we questioned our welding equipment sales person they had no idea, other than thats what they had heard or read somewhere.

What is your pick for gas blends and why? Thanks in advance for you input..................Brandy

--------------------------------------------------

I typically use 75/25 ar/co2 but only because its easy to get.

I keep an open mind. But I know if I walk into a local welding supply and ask for 85% co2 25% argon, they are going to look at me like i have 2 heads...and I wont walk away with any gas ..they will have to custom mix it for me.

There is a site called weldreality.com that really harps on welding sales people pushing gas on us for no good reason....

I dont usually have trouble using standard 75/25 but I think there is always room for improvement.