New PP256 testing

[jerky]

The only AR/C02 mix I've seen in one bottle is 75/25 and no gas is used with flux core wire... We don't want to confuse anyone new to welding.

http://www.alspecialtygases.com/File...chure_1601.pdf

i use FCAW all day long with blueshield 8, i can get the spec of wire monday when i go back to work.

[everlastsupport]

Thanks, Mike. Yes, I am good with proper PPE and a fire extinguisher. I am going to test the way that you and Tom have outlined for me. Regarding the buzz, I assume that this comes from the HF points? Should I gap these when I receive the machine, or just wait and see if I have any issues with arc start? I've found that procedure in the forums, so I am familiar with danger posed by the caps.

I will definitely be getting an Ar cylinder; I just don't want to waste a bunch of money on the tiny cylinder that I can afford today. Everything I read says not to waste your time with anything less than 150cf, so I will probably start there. I'm shopping that around now, checking out craig's list, etc.

Thanks
Mike

You can see the point thought the front of the machine (fat left about middle). I would eyeball them first with a flashlight. Mark or Tom mentioned the .040. If they look straight vetically, and about a spark plugs gap, you are good to go. Sometime a set will get bumped when the front panel goes on. It looks like you see it a lot of this, but remember we move a lot of units and only the bumped sets show up in the forum. You never see the 100s that are fine. But they are easy to check.

The buzz is the HF point, look in the front far left middle, tap the torch and will see them pretty fast, just give them a couple minutes off before adjusting.

On the tank size, for me, 150 minimum, trust me if you do any serious TIG welding it is still to small. Unless you for some reason very light weight tanks are needed (in a wheelchair or portability issues).

I have bought probably 4 - 252 tanks off craigslist, a couple with welder and flipped the welders to get the tanks free or on the cheap.

Like Steve S mentioned though, for a few bucks a month, you can rent a set and be done with it. Only issue I would see for most starting out, you normally need a business account with the LWS (so a little paperwork). I just like to own the tanks, not sure why. I do still have one rental 250 I started with and still use it, same drill to fill it.

Also, some LWS will take low pressure tanks (if you stumble across one) in trade for high presure. But check first and normally they will drop up a size or two. You are looking for HP tanks though. Oxt/Acet/Argone/C25 or mix. Then just swap it for Argone. A 150 should runs around $40-$50 on the fill.

[everlastsupport]

The only AR/C02 mix I've seen in one bottle is 75/25 and no gas is used with flux core wire... We don't want to confuse anyone new to welding.

You can use AR/CO2 with flux core. Many shops around here flux MIG with gas. When I go to the local ironworks for my steel, that is all they use.

I know this is a TIG thread and all, but.

On the MIG MIX, I use C25 for MIG, might try C18 one trip (Mark really likes it).

I've lately been using Stargon (PraxAir thing I think, yes I am finally doing business with them again). I will use it more, as for some reason that tank never seems to drop much compared to the AR/C25. I seem to need less of it to get the job done. It is a AR/C02/O mix (says something like N.O.S on the tanks).

On the DOT, I swap 250s all the time, flat in the back of the truck. No issues there, BUT if you do not have a cap on the top, I was told it was a $5000 fine.

[zoama]

Thanks for the lessons guys. Non professionals don't get much exposure to these things.

[performance]

To paraphrase what the 40 year veteran welding instructor told me in college about something similar "Once you try it, you'll throw rocks at the 75/25"

Tired of dull welds, BB's and spatter? yep, I would be too, if I used 75/25.

[DVA]

Good thing about C18 is that you can spray weld with it. I tried to get my gas vendor to mix it for me but they were too lazy. May half to look at Air Gas to get the 18% CO2 nextime.

[everlastsupport]

We have a new airgas out here. Maybe I'll try it on the 250P and see if the spray is any better. That's a good reason to try it.

On BBs and spatter, never see that with C25 myself.