LS325ci

iTrader: (3)

Just sold my 110v stick welder and looking to move to mig.

Im still interested in 110v version as im not sure if my 220v plug is working/safe in my garage. anyone know how to test this?

anyways just getting a cheap $200 welder on ebay but im looking to run it as mig instead of flux(i had a bit of practice on running both and did not like flux.)


but the tank seems pretty pricey? cheapest i found is harbor freight 20cuft for about 70 using 20% coupon. I guess im just surprise how expensive tanks are.

Im planning on getting two. so trying to keep the cost down.
1 for argon/c02 and 1 for argon



plan of usage is pretty small. most of the time it just sits in my garage. and maybe use it once a year for something random/small jobs.

Biggest job it would see is just making custom exhaust which im planning soon.

SilverSS07

iTrader: (1)

They're on Craigslist sometimes. Might want to look into renting instead of owning. I would look for a good used welder. I got a 170 Lincoln, cart, wire, and full tank for $400

Hi-Po

iTrader: (4)

Yep, on everything.

jlcustomz

Keep in mind that gas does get used up fast, welding shops have to charge an epa fee on EVERY little single purchase, & it's near impossible to get a refill on the weekends or late hours.

One option I never really looked into is paintball supply shops have small co2 bottles. Pure co2 doesn't give the cleanest welds, but is the cheapest & easiest gas to get.

75/25 co2 argon is the most commonly used mig gas.
tri-mix is needed for stainless, but gives better welds on regular stuff. The cost is high due to helium though.
Argon is only used with a mig welder for aluminum welding, which requires a decent welder & a spool gun. Argon is the main gas for almost all TIG welding, makes a shitty porus weld with mig on steel.

LS325ci

iTrader: (3)

thanks guys.

yea the one i was looking at has a spool gun for aluminum.
I was not aware of the tri mix for stainless. would 75/25 be ok to weld it if needed? i dont need it all looking pretty.

and yes im well aware that it goes through a decent amount but When In my experience buying abigger tank to use it once a year isnt worth it at the moment.

what is the cost of the tri mix vs 75/25 for a 20 cu bottle?

aluminum would be a nice option but not really required.

SilverSS07

iTrader: (1)

Don't use C25 for stainless. Couldn't give you an idea on the cost of tri mix vs C25 but tri mix is more expensive. Price seems to vary a lot depending on location. I called airgas and they said $37 for a 125 cf owner bottle of c25.

jlcustomz

I quit using tri mix as regular gas because of the cost, at least 50% more last time. Helium in the tri- mix makes it hotter, which the mig needs for stainless.
Mig really didn't do the job I wanted for any of my stainless projects.
On aluminum , got a miller 211 at work. Ok for some outdoor brackets, but not something I'd do with aluminum either. Takes a decent tig to make me happy with stainless or aluminum.
I mainly use mig for basic steel. Has an advantage over tig when using not perfectly clean materials or galvanized.

Buchhakj

I use a local weld shop. I got a 4' tank filled for around $200 out the door. Private owned no lease.

Jimbo1367

$100.oo for a 55 cubic feet w/new valve.
http://www.usaweld.com/Gas-Bottle-Re...ed-p/99900.htm
I bought one. for a back up.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

If running a small welder consider staying flux. Why? It allows the machine to weld hotter which can be much more critical for A. a welder with less experience and B. a smaller welding machine. I've been welding for about 10 years and my at home 110v machine I still run flux even though I prefer gas. Its honestly cheaper and less hassle also.

Jimbo1367

Most weld supplier places here just exchange cylinders. They took my shiney one MFs

Buchhakj

There are also some places online that'll send empty private tanks.

Buchhakj

The gas shielded weld looks so much cleaner though. The flux gets everywhere splatter wise etc. I ran mine with flux (hobart handler 120) and was amazed at machine performance after switching to a bottle.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

To a degree your correct. But, in all honesty, if your splatter is horrible then your settings are wrong and/or youre using the wrong transfer. You can weld with flux only and produce minimal splatter. I rarely, and I mean rarely worry about it because its not an issue. Also, if done correctly, flux welds are beautiful underneath the slag.....difference being you have to clean the slag to see them. Most "garage" type welding weld appearance is not paramount so thats merely preference.

jlcustomz

You're tempting me to try flux wire at work, since certain yo-ho's think they can weld something, but lack the skill to shut the tank valve off when done, leaving me unable to quickly repair something without a trip to Airgas.