The Lair

See, I see that and I'm like "HOT DAMN that's a pretty weld." I'm just so used to the flux core looking like absolute shit. Hobart 140 seems like the best bang for your buck and a lot of people like it, so that's what I'll likely eventually do. But between that and a bottle of gas, I'm looking at $700+

 

From what I have gathered... pretty =/= good, strong, or the like

And holy shit, $700!? Damn. Yeah I think it was a hobart 140

 

Yeah the hobart is around $500 and a bottle of gas a few hundred bucks. Then it's just exchanging it afterwards, but you have to pony up the initial cost. That's what's stopping david from doing gas right now.

Pretty=good/strong in my world

 

Does the bottle matter? I saw a FB marketplace post near me that was selling a full bottle of acetylene (what plumbers use for soldering) for $50

 

I don't think its a few hundred. I am just lazy. I think its 100 for the bottle/fill. The place near me you have to buy the bottle and filled it at the same place. Robert's Oxygen.

Not sure about other places. Might be able to buy a tank on Craigslist, and get it filled anywhere.

 

You need a bottle of gas if you want to do what you're doing. Without gas, then you use flux cored wire.

Welding needs shielding, whether it be a shielding gas, or built into the wire (flux core)

 

Oh, I always thought it was more. You should get one so we can see!

 

My point was, the person was selling a bottle for 50. Is there a specific bottle that's required for filling?

 

Ohhh. I have no idea. I've never looked into it.

 

Soon young padawan

 

Pretty sure there are different bottles for different gases. I think welding needs 75/25 acetelyte/argon mix? Not sure though. @Blackout14 or @stairgod knows more

 

Looks like it's argon and CO2, according to an article I found. Acetylene is used in the OXY/Acetylene torce for cutting

"For many companies, including those that place an emphasis on weld quality, appearance and reducing post-weld clean up, a mixture of between 75 – 95 percent Argon and 5 – 25 percent CO2 will provide a more desirablecombination of arc stability, puddle control and reduced spatter than pure CO2."

 

Also the type of wire and metal alloys being welded different mixes of gases are used. 75-25 is the most versitile.

 

I have argon in an appropriated oxygen bottle. My LWS just had to change the valve on it after it was pressure tested.
Most people run 75/25 for short circuit mig and either a 95/5 mix or tri-mix for spray transfer mig.
Straight CO2 can work for mig but you get less penetration and the cost difference is minimal.

 

Does it matter the type of bottle? My dad has an acetylene torch/tank for when we do any plumbing.

 

Are you planning on going with Stainless with mandrel bends?

 

Stainless doesn't matter to me. I'd be fine with aluminized. I'm going for as cheap as possible. Though Now I'm torn if I want to get a lunch box locker or a reroute and new skid. Both are around $400

 

I'd say wire speed is too slow. When I tried mine it was, and the wire burn too fast for the speed, and results in crappy spot welds. Get the right speed for the intensity of the welder you need to weld the piece you have. I'd say thicker steel would need more heat and more time spent at the same spot. Thinner would be faster. But now saying fast or slow, i think my welder speed goes to 10, and I keep it ar 6.5-7

can gas be added to your welder? I know mine can, just have to reverse wire polarity and add a gas bottle with a regulator. Some shop rent the bottles. Get the size for your needs and swap it when you need refill

 

If its stabbing and you feel it holding the gun, the wire speed is too high. If the wire is burning up, the wire speed is too low. Also keep in mind your "stick out" affects weld temperature. Less stickout=hotter. Lastly, may sure your polarity is correct. I think w/o gas you should be electrode positive???? Dont quote me on that.