I have a keggerator and two CO2 bottles for it, and figured I could use one bottle for welding. I forget how much graduations I have on the regulator, but I usually set the pressure for the keg around 12-14 psi or so.

No, I will not be drinking and welding at the same time. In fact, I hardly even use the keggerator anymore. 2 kids have put a damper on that I'm afraid.

My question is, how much pressure do I use, or do I adjust it along with the welder settings to get the "bacon sizzlin" sound like Scott keeps mentioning? Or is the bacon sizzlin sound strictly related to the amperage I'm running and CO2 pressure related to spatter?

I also figured I'd go ahead and use up the straight CO2 I have now and get it refilled with a argon mix for next time as I grow into more welding.

Also, my welder can handle .023-.030 wire. I bought a spool of each, .023 and .030, but haven't found any info yet as to when to use each with what thickness of metal. Any suggestions?

I'm building a pressure sandblaster from an old air compressor (I'll post pics and plans when done) and then once the blaster is built, I'll blast the 68 and then start welding up the holes in it (various very minor rust spots + the major project of the passenger quarter). So, I was planning on using the .030 on the blaster and the .023 on the sheetmetal. Does that sound right?

For some reason, I think the pressure is ALOT higher than the 12-14 you talk about. I will check mine tonight when I get home and let you know.

I use .023 for everything. It is easier to start and maintain an arc with and doesn't require as much current so blow through is minimized. One thing I found is to trim your wire before every arc start (arcs start at sharp corners). With my welder, the cable liner and tips are different between .030 and .023 so changing them out is a pain.

I can't remember what welder Brian got, but if you can, get the large spool adapter. You will be surprised how fast you go through 2 lb spools.

Your bottle price sounds about on par with what I paid. Since you have to get a new one, run C25 in it rather than just pure CO2. The welds are much cleaner with the argon blend.

HTH,

Rick

I was out in the shop and totally spaced looking at the regulator. Sorry about that. I will look tonight.

Cheers,

Rick

My bottle is 48" tall and 7" in diameter. It costs less than $30 to refill, and I've only had to do it once... in the last seven years. I -might- get another summer out of it before it needs it's second refill.

I checked on my regulator last night and I don't have an output pressure on it. It was preset by Lincoln and the docs tell me "Don't touch it. You'lll break it." However, they don't tell me what the output pressure is that I can find. Bummer...

About a year ago, I upgraded helmets to a Miller XLi auto helmet. After years of using fixed lens, I won't go back. I can lighten it to about 10 for stick welding and darken to about 13 for MIG work by a knob on the side. It's also adjustable for distance for lens to face and up/down so it's the most comfortable helmet I have ever used. I highly recommend it.

Cheers,

Rick

Argon....All tig and alluminum wire
C02......Flux core, mild steel and stainless
C02/argon mix.....hardwire/microwire(std wire)
Tri-mix..Stainless hard wire and some metal core wire.

Cory

quote:

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Originally posted by sigtauenus:
In fact, I hardly even use the keggerator anymore. 2 kids have put a damper on that I'm afraid.

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quote:

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Originally posted by 427Fastback:
As mentioned,a mix of 75/25 will give you better welds than pure C02.Pure C02 should really only be used for Flux core...

Argon....All tig and alluminum wire
C02......Flux core, mild steel and stainless
C02/argon mix.....hardwire/microwire(std wire)
Tri-mix..Stainless hard wire and some metal core wire.

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Cory,

#1) Tri-mix...?... Is what, 5% CO2, 20% Argon and Helium?

A friend of mine uses 100% argon for his stainless steel TIG welding, mostly 2" square tubing, for off-road grill guards.

#2) Do you think he'd get better/cleaner welds if he used the Tri-Mix instead -or- can't the Tri-Mix be used when TIGing stainless steel?

#3) You mentioned "stainless hard wire", do you happen to know what diameters can that be purchased in?

#4) Can a person run stainless hard wire in their MIG welder to weld stainless?

You can weld S/S at home with your wire feed as long as you have the right gas.I am not sure of the wire size available as i very seldom ever use it.I have a 300 amp tig machine at home here and prefer to tig everything..
A warning tho...S/S hardwire splatters alot and the splatter does not like to come off.Practise a lot with settings and keep exposed areas covered or spray with anti-splatter.

Cory

I've been doing a lot of reading up on this, and found this...

http://www.weldreality.com/MIG_welding_gases.htm

The local welding supply place seems to only stock the 75/25 mix.

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Originally posted by sigtauenus:
Thanks guys.

I've been doing a lot of reading up on this, and found this...

http://www.weldreality.com/MIG_welding_gases.htm

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From the artical:

While working with the XXXXX and XXXXX manufacturers I was shocked to find out how little the corporate executives in this industry knew about the XXXXX processes and the XXXXX products they manufactured and sold.

I guess my point is the same could be said about any industry.

Shooting for market share and if snake oil grabs another fraction and increases profits, well, what could be wrong with that?

Good Luck!

quote:

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Originally posted by n2oMike:
A tank will generally last me around 3 years before it needs refilled. It lasts a very long time. Going to gas is WELL worth it.

Good Luck!

[/B]

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Lately, I have found myself using gas for most everything and going back to the stick welder for anything heavier than gas can do on a single pass. It's just easier than converting the welder over (polarity, gun liner, etc.) and I am lazy.

I really want to get a square wave TIG but the budget office has rejected that.

Rick

quote:

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Originally posted by lonewolf:
I use the flux core stuff on occasion as my machine will weld deeper with flux than it will on the gas. I, too, use it without gas it works very well on thicker metals. That being said, flux will not work well for light weight metals usually common in body work.For that, there is no substitute for the gas.

Rick

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