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tig gas vs mig gas

Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:27 pm
by crank.it
hi folks - ran into a little situation yesterday was migging some bed rails and ran out of gas 90/5/5 argon ....I switched to use my 100% tig argon it worked is their any reason you cant mig with 100% argon???

Re: tig gas vs mig gas

Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:39 pm
by Otto Nobedder
It depends both on the material and the method.

For short-circuit MIG on steel, 100% argon sucks, particularly on stainless. Poor penetration, and difficulty welding out of the flat position.

For aluminum, 100% argon is commonly used for MIG, requiring a slightly higher machine setting to give the same penetration as a mix-gas with helium.

For Globular transfer and spray-arc, I don't know enough about alternate gasses to guide you.

Steve S

Re: tig gas vs mig gas

Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 8:22 pm
by Alexa

Re: tig gas vs mig gas

Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 9:28 pm
by Otto Nobedder
Thanks, Alexa,

That was worth the read!

Steve S

Re: tig gas vs mig gas

Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 7:35 am
by crank.it
thanks alexa ...I did read the article and that would explain the kinda pourous non penetrating bead...using the 100% argon in a pinch ok but the mix for mig is definetly the way to go...so we will re weld the bed rails for safety if nothing else thanks folks....st.morgan