Thread: Need A Tig Answer Please

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Today I'm picking up the tank and argon for Dan's Tig, and I thought I needed 100 percent pure argon . But when I called it in to the welding supply company, the guy tells me if we are welding steel we need a mix of argon and something else. He said pure argon is only for aluminum.

I just want to be sure. Dan will be doing pretty much only steel to start.

Thanks for any light you can shed on this.


Don

Don:
I'm no expert but I think 100% argon is good for both. I just checked my tanks and they say Argon. Doesn't say anything on the tank label about argon mix. I use the same tank for chrommoly, aluminum & mild steel. The only change i make for aluminum is the Tungsten Electrode & the polarity Setting. When I get the tanks refilled (exchanged) I ask for argon. Welds look good and haven't failed so I must be close to right.

Denny I just saw your post. The 75% - 25% must be the mix for a ''general purpose'' tank of argon. I didn't see any % on the tank label?

Well..ain't that somthin' As I hit the post button just now the mail dropped on my desk. Just got the Miller "Applied Welding" newsletter. Ain't that somthin'.

Thanks to both of you. So the mix is what I want, I guess. I had just always heard straight argon, and it confused me. (doesn't take a whole lot to do that anymore )

Don

i always used straight argon for mild, stainless, and aluminum. that is what the shop always ordered and that is how the miller tech set it up.

I gave you guys a link to the welding forum at Miller .I think you will get a good answer there.Go to the miller site ,then to the "ASK ANDY" Page to ask your question.I now you will get the right answer here ,but you might get it a little faster there.

100% is what I've been using. Probably because i told the weld supplier I "might" be doing more than just mild steel. So, this way i'm covered. I've never welded aluminum (I should give it a try), The only aluminum welding my machine has done was by my brother. He's been a welder his whole career (retired now). He makes aluminum welding look soooo easy.

Streight Argon TIG Mix for MIG You can also use Helieum for aluminum, but the price of that has over doubled in the last 6 mo.

Ok, I called Miller and spoke to a Tig Techician. He says use pure Argon. Only time you would want helium is for really thick stuff, and then you blend that in with Argon.

I called the welding supply back, and the guy there says " I've been a welder for a long time, and a blend is what you want, but if you insist on Argon, I will fill the tank with that." What the heck is the scoop here???


I am going to go with pure Argon, because Miller should know what works in their machines. Plus, this a the biggest tank they make, so I don't want a years supply of the wrong stuff. I can't ask Dan, because it is part of his gift, that he thinks he has to buy after Xmas to make the Tig work.

They said the only time you would not want to use pure Argon is if you are building a Pro Camaro that is all caged and going to run fast. They said the thing will fall apart on the first pass. JUST KIDDING PRO, JUST KIDDING.

Thanks to all for the help.

Don

I'm not gonna' redo all the welds. I'll just go buy some really good insurance and call it good.

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

Ok, I called Miller and spoke to a Tig Techician. He says use pure Argon. Only time you would want helium is for really thick stuff, and then you blend that in with Argon.

I called the welding supply back, and the guy there says " I've been a welder for a long time, and a blend is what you want, but if you insist on Argon, I will fill the tank with that." What the heck is the scoop here???

The fellow at your welding supply has TIG welding confused with MIG welding.

The 75/25 blend is used for MIG.

As you have been told and decided to go with; straight argon (or argon/helium mix) is the correct usage for TIG welding.

I guess that means I can cancel the insurance policy.

i have use only 100 % argon for tig welding and that would be any thing. steel .Ssteel. Iron .Alum or you can use a mix of helium and argon or 100% helium

What I have come to find out about the guys at my welding supply is they are paid for what they sell.Most of the time they are saying what ever just to get you to buy ,and out the door.