TIG gases

NO!!!

The only gasses you can use for TIG are Argon, Helium or a mix of the 2. CO2 is an active gas, and will do horrible things in a TIG weld.

Thanks Ernie, Oh bugger.. and I just bought a new regulator for the Co2 bottle. I also have a little MIG welder too, the one that uses those little throw away bottles. Am I right to assume that I can use this big Co2 bottle for the MIG welder (on mild steel)?

Cheers.

Yes you can use pure CO2 for MIG, but you will get a lot of spatter.

Aha!!" You just reminded me why I haven't used it for the last 15 years.

Cheers.

Strictly no, because if you use CO2 then you're using a MAGS process, not MIG.

It'll work, but badly.

If it's a biggish machine, and you're using dip transfer on thin steel, then CO2 may be the appropriate gas for you.

If you're "a typical hobbyist", then do yourself a really big favour and get some better gas. You'll see a great improvement in your weld quality, especially if you're trying to push a small machine into strong deep-penetration welds on 1/4" plate and upwards.

-- Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods

A MAGS process???

MAG is a term used in Europe for MIG welding with an active gas like CO2 or Oxygen.

Hence it is often refered to as MIG/MAG welding.

Argon and Helium are Inert. Oxygen and CO2 are Active. Most wire feed gasses are made of a mix of 2 or 3 of those 4 gasses.

I read that in Europe they used to Wire fed with Nitrogen, but I have never seen a good write up on how that worked.

European term ? Damn ! We thought you guys had started it !

The term MAGS is only used on welding courses, or when specifically referring to the differences between argon mixes and CO2 mixes. Normally we just call them all MIG welders.

-- Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods

It was probably that international conspiracy of welding engineers.