I'm considering getting a mig welder for a new project car - (bodywork) and have no idea:
where to get tanks for the shielding gas; and what it costs.
where to get tanks for the shielding gas; and what it costs.
how/where do you get welding gas and tank? (mig)
- Thread starter tomcat27
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Airgas
Google welding gas for your city.
You can buy tanks at HF and get them filled at a welding dist.
Remember for MIG you want a mix of argon/CO2.
You can also do MIG welding without gas if you buy the proper wire.
Also I found out that the Lincoln welders you find at HomeDepot are not the same models as a welding dist sells even if its the same amperage.
A Lincoln 180 amp welder from a welding dist is an awesome machine for about $800.
Remember for MIG you want a mix of argon/CO2.
You can also do MIG welding without gas if you buy the proper wire.
Also I found out that the Lincoln welders you find at HomeDepot are not the same models as a welding dist sells even if its the same amperage.
A Lincoln 180 amp welder from a welding dist is an awesome machine for about $800.
Go to your local welders supply and ask for a mig mix. It's 75% argon and 25% C02. Tanks vary in size and can get pricey. They come in sizes 58, 100, 200 and 300 cu ft.
Just a word about tanks and getting them filled.
Some welding supply/gas suppliers will only fill their own stamped/tested cylinders. You can't just bring in any cylinder and expect them to fill it up. Tanks have to be tested, and certified/stamped for liability reasons. Find your local gas supplier. Buy, or rent tank(s) from them so you know you won't have any hassle with exchanges.
Some welding supply/gas suppliers will only fill their own stamped/tested cylinders. You can't just bring in any cylinder and expect them to fill it up. Tanks have to be tested, and certified/stamped for liability reasons. Find your local gas supplier. Buy, or rent tank(s) from them so you know you won't have any hassle with exchanges.
Up here you can rent a tank (by the year) or buy a tank.
Regardless, 'my' tank which is about 30" high by 6" dia is about
$42 to fill with Argon/CO2 if I exchange tanks to get a full one.
If I just hold on to my tank, and get it filled, I can save a little, but at some point I would have to pay to get the tank re certified.
With care, a tank can last for many hours of welding.
Sheilding from wind (if outside) makes better welds and allows you to turn the gas down a little.
If possible, it's better to weld in an enclosed environment.
Regardless, 'my' tank which is about 30" high by 6" dia is about
$42 to fill with Argon/CO2 if I exchange tanks to get a full one.
If I just hold on to my tank, and get it filled, I can save a little, but at some point I would have to pay to get the tank re certified.
With care, a tank can last for many hours of welding.
Sheilding from wind (if outside) makes better welds and allows you to turn the gas down a little.
If possible, it's better to weld in an enclosed environment.
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MOST welding gas suppliers will only fill their own tanks. If you own your tank you have to prove certification and ownership.
There are a lot of stolen tanks out there people!!
Most places just do a exchange. It is also good to know what other gases they offer. My supplier for example only offers oxygen, acetalyne and Co2 / argon.
No helium or blends, so I would have to find another supplier if I wanted to get a shielding gas for welding aluminum.
There are a lot of stolen tanks out there people!!
Most places just do a exchange. It is also good to know what other gases they offer. My supplier for example only offers oxygen, acetalyne and Co2 / argon.
No helium or blends, so I would have to find another supplier if I wanted to get a shielding gas for welding aluminum.
Argon/Co2 (which we call argoshield) tanks are expensive,so I use a dive bottle filled with Co2 at home, the tank was free, I just paid for the retest. A different looking well, but works for me at home...at work we use Argoshield.
Shop around. I found a local welding supply that gives me considerably better prices than Airgas. I just re-filled my 50 cf tank with C25 (75 argon, 25 co2) for about $30. Another welding supply said if I showed them my invoice, they could get "close" to that. At Airgas and others, I was quoted $50 plus. I think if you open an account at Airgas, you can get better pricing.
I think Harbor Freight just sells the little 20 cf. tanks. They cost almost as much to fill as a larger tank, so you're better off with a bigger tank.
I think Harbor Freight just sells the little 20 cf. tanks. They cost almost as much to fill as a larger tank, so you're better off with a bigger tank.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Look up welding supply in your area. I get mine from Phoenix Welding Supply.
There are far better choices for shielding gas if you don't mind spending a bit more. My personal favorite is 95% argon/5% oxygen. Smooth, hot weld that give much less spatter. 2nd choice would be Moongone (assuming it's a trade name from Praxair or similar) which is a tri-mix. Argon, co2 and oxygen I think. Not as hot or smooth but still good.
Both are better that c25/75-25/stargone and leaps as bounds better that straight co2.
Both are better that c25/75-25/stargone and leaps as bounds better that straight co2.
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