Thread: Need A Tig Answer Please

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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.

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.

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.

100% argon only, you don't need mixes it just cost more, only other gas you might need is if you are tigging heavy aluminum and need more heat so you would use helium

Ahh, But str8 argon works for aluminum also, even 1/2" aluminum. I just did some 1/2" aluminum welding a few days ago.

Dang!! This is almost a year old.

So, Don, how did it all work out? Did you go with straight argon?

In my learning experience, we were taught the following: straight argon for general TIG work, and a helium mix for some special stuff like heavy aluminum, if you wanted; argon-co2 mix on MIG, except for some special cases. I think it has to do with the composition of the filler metal, and the characteristics of, and the way the arc reacts with the base metal and the filler.

Originally Posted by Rrumbler

Dang!! This is almost a year old.

So, Don, how did it all work out? .

Don went on to do the weld, got married had 3 children and wrote a best seller entitled ''1001 uses for argon''. He stated the book was a gas to write, but the royalty checks "are gone'.