pulsed mig gas question ??

[umahunter]

ok ive recently got a 350p and have been doing some research and reading on spray steel now miller suggests 90/10 argon /co2 or next 95/5 ive also heard of 98/2 question is these seem to all be mainly argon with little co2. question is why is that ? why not straight argon like on aluminum? what does the small percentage of co2 do vs strait argon just kinda wondered and would like to know ?

[A_DAB_will_do]

Straight argon for pulsed mig or spray arc mig gives an unstable arc. The small additions of CO2 or O2 act to stabilize the arc. This makes for easier control by the welder, which in turn means a better looking bead, less spatter, and more uniform penetration into the base metal.

[lewray]

I use the 98/2.

Always wondered that myself. Just 2% can make that big a difference...

[SundownIII]

Clarification?

Generally when people speak of 98/2 in reference to spray or pulsed spray, they're talking about 98%Argon/2%O2.

I don't know of anyone who recommends a 98%Argon/2%CO2 mix for spray or pulsed spray.

The 98%Argon/2%O2 will run considerably hotter than the 95%Argon/5%CO2 mix.

For someone not thoroughly versed in pulsed spray arc, you're better off choosing one gas (from those recommended and programmed for) and get good with it. The programmed settings of the MM350P will yield better results than you'll get by "screwing around".

Frankly, umahunter, I was a little concerned about your comments about why you sold your previous tig welder. Something along the lines that you were never committed to learning the process well. Be advised, learning the features of the MM 350P will take a serious commitment. If you're not willing to "put in the time", then, you possibly bought too much machine. There's a lot to learn. The effects of different gas mixes will be somewhat down the line.

[umahunter]

Originally Posted by SundownIII

Clarification?

Generally when people speak of 98/2 in reference to spray or pulsed spray, they're talking about 98%Argon/2%O2.

I don't know of anyone who recommends a 98%Argon/2%CO2 mix for spray or pulsed spray.

The 98%Argon/2%O2 will run considerably hotter than the 95%Argon/5%CO2 mix.

For someone not thoroughly versed in pulsed spray arc, you're better off choosing one gas (from those recommended and programmed for) and get good with it. The programmed settings of the MM350P will yield better results than you'll get by "screwing around".

Frankly, umahunter, I was a little concerned about your comments about why you sold your previous tig welder. Something along the lines that you were never committed to learning the process well. Be advised, learning the features of the MM 350P will take a serious commitment. If you're not willing to "put in the time", then, you possibly bought too much machine. There's a lot to learn. The effects of different gas mixes will be somewhat down the line.

lol i have in no way given up on tig. if you have seen any of my recent posts or even read my sig line you will see that i picked up a syncro 250 at a smoking price before i sold my pt185.please don't doubt my commitment since i have never stated anywhere at anytime that i didn't want to put in the time to learn the process. i clearly stated i bought the 350p to grow into and also stated im researching and learning more about the pulse spray process hence the questions. i think you may be reading into something thats not there or have me mistaken with someone else. thanks for the advice. by searching the net i found other post stateing 90/10 was the best mix found by miller for the 350p. i just simply wanted to know what the reason was behind the small percent additive and what it was to achieve for the process since i simply like to know things thanks

[Broccoli1]

http://www.thefabricator.com/article...or-arc-welding

[umahunter]

good article thanks

[SundownIII]

umahunter,

So that wasn't you who made the following comment on 4-23-11 concerning your PT 185:

"bought this machine new thinking I would learn to tig just haven't had the time it's sat under my bench in the garage since can't be more than 3-4 hours max works perfect..."

Direct quote including the lack of punctuation.

But now you've "found the time" to master a MM 350P.

[umahunter]

i did post that because that was the truth and the situation. i picked up the syncro so when i get a chance to start tigging again i will have the equipment to do so.and because the deal was to good to pass up i don't weld for a living. i run a construction business the 350p fits things i plan to do in the future aswell as regular mig projects never said i would master the 350p but ill dam sure try. i asked a question about gas ratios don't confuse time with commitment im not under a deadline to learn at any rate and sure as hell don't need to justify anything to some old guy who likes to piss and moan. i know its a learning process with lots to learn but it is sticking to pieces of metal together not curing cancer or climbing Everest while i appreciate your knowledge don't puff your chest out to far your not superman your not wearing a cape are you

[ss42768]

Umahunter, go with the C-10 90% Argon, 10% Co2 mix for pulse spray. I have switched the majority of my customers from Argon Oxygen either 98/2 or 98/5 to C-10 for pulse, and either C-10 or C-15 for Mig Spray. Once they see a cut and etch comparing penetration profiles of Argon/Oxygen to Argon/Co2, the next question they ask is how fast I can have our driver deliver pick up the Argon Oxygen.

Argon Oxygen does not produce deep penetration, if you are welding thinner materials, 3/16" or less, you will probably be fine, but once you get into thicker plate I'd recommend the Argon Co2.

I always recommend that my customers do there own cut and etch, if they are happy with what they see, then I'm happy. I keep weld samples in my truck, but don't want customers to base it off what I've done.

If you are used to welding with Argon Oxygen, and try an Argon Co2 mix, and leave your machine settings alone, the first thing you will see is spatter, Argon Co2 requires higher voltages than Argon Oxygen.

I've posted these pics before, but these are etched welds that show the penetration profiles with 4 different mixes, this was all done with straight CV, not pulse. The first weld was done with C-10, second weld was 90% Argon, 8% C02, 2% Oxygen, Third weld 75% Argon, 25% Co2, 4th weld was 95% Argon, 5% Oxygen

[AMC724]

"I don't know of anyone who recommends a 98%Argon/2%CO2 mix for spray or pulsed spray."

the pic is from the Miller Optima manual

[AMC724]

since i have bottle of argon,and all the equipment required to pulse mig
i did it to see how it would do the arc was not right
so i use 98 ar 2 co2 for pulse

if everyone belived what they read and never tried things for themselves innovation would be slower (hard to put in words what im thinking)


BTW "i didnt use punctuation just to piss you off " very funny