Upgraded my welder to MIG, CO2/ Argon mix. PSI recommendations Options

[Socalandy]

With all the welding (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif) coming up on the -6 car I purchased the MIG conversion kit for my Lincoln. It is much cleaner and has better penitration but I'd like to get some feed back on where to set the PSI for the CO2/ Argon mix. Want to have enough but not waste it either.

seems to work well on 16 gage steel with 20psi

[914_teener]

Andy,

AWS suggests.....and back in the days when I was an ME........ haven't been one in years cause we don't make anything here (US) anymore...... an 80% argon mix to 20-25% Co2 mix for carbon steel for thicknesses of less than .125. For over .125 use a 50-50 mix of argon C02. For non-ferrous a "tri mix" is best, that would be 90% helium 7% argon and 2% Co2.

Flow rates of the gas will depend upon the transfer type...this is the arc transfer..this is difficult to describe but basically the voltage drop across electrode to the base metal. Also it will depend upon the conditions you are welding in and the cup you are using to sheild the weld surface plus the thickness of the metal you are welding.

I have found that most instances about 30 CFH for a flat position weld should be fine. Since C02 is heavier than air then an out of position weld will require more CFH for adequate sheilding. The tri mix is really expensive so most folks use Co2.

Hope this helps.......

If you need any help...which it doesn't look like you do... by your car.... let me know.

Rob