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Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / tig guestion
- - By 52lincoln (***) Date 03-31-2008 21:45
i am going to attempt to teach myself how to tig weld carbon/ss.i am using my sa200 so no aluminum i know.i bought the 150 amp dry torch.my guestion is do i need argon,or can i use my 75/25 mix i already have?
Parent - - By MDG Custom Weld (***) Date 03-31-2008 21:57
You need the argon or agron He mix.  Mixtures with Co2, or O2 do not tig weld.
Parent - - By 52lincoln (***) Date 03-31-2008 22:33
thanks,
  a guy told me i could use it,i didnt think that was right.
Parent - - By Plasma56 (**) Date 04-01-2008 19:05
Actually your friend was practically right, but flawed in his explanitation.
It will work, poorly, but it will work.
The Co2 in the mixed gas used for GMAW is an oxidizer, the arc characteristics and arc stability if used for GTAW won't be great but yes you will create an arc, it will develope to form a molten puddle and you will run beads.The weld will be ruff and filled with porosity, and the surface oxidized.
So will it work, yes.
But I wouldn't risk my life or reputation on it ie: the resulting weld.
That said, an Argon/Carbon dioxide blended gas mixture is neither approved or remotely recommended for GTAW.

But you asked if it will work, and the answer is still yes.
Parent - - By MDG Custom Weld (***) Date 04-01-2008 22:33
If your idea of "it works" just consist of striking an arc and making a weld with porosity, then one does not need gas at all.  You can strike an arc, form a puddle, and run beads full of porosity with no gas at all.

So, no it does not work.

Argon, Helium, hydrogen, and any mix of these work, CO2, O2, and any mix containing them does not work.
Parent - By ZCat (***) Date 04-02-2008 01:49
Hydrogen???
Parent - - By chris2698 (****) Date 04-02-2008 02:23
hydrogen? suree I'd like to see that one but I'll be back about a couple 100ft
Parent - - By MDG Custom Weld (***) Date 04-02-2008 11:16
Yes, Argon/Hyrodgen mixes are used in some stainless steel applications.  It's not the most common mix, but most large gas companies have some sort of hydrogen mix available.  It does not blow up, and you don't need to stand back 100 feet.  It's only a 2-5% mix so it's not like you have a full cylinder of hydrogen. 
Parent - By chris2698 (****) Date 04-03-2008 01:57
thats interesting I've never knew you could mix it
Parent - - By tim105 (**) Date 04-03-2008 02:49
MDG, can you explain what the Argon/Hydrogen mix is used for? I would like to know.
Parent - By MDG Custom Weld (***) Date 04-03-2008 10:59
Austenitic stainless steel.  It seems to act like helium and add to the heat of the arc.
Parent - By 52lincoln (***) Date 04-02-2008 04:15
thanks for all of help guys.i will just get me some argon
Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / tig guestion

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