Q&A topic

Shielding gas: 9 questions answered

• What gas do I need for MIG welding?

  For MIG welding mild steel in Australia use an argon–CO2 mix — 92/8 (Argoshield-style) is the standard. 100% CO2 is the budget alt…

• What is pure argon used for in welding?

  Pure argon is used for TIG everything; MIG aluminium and stainless, typically at 8–12 L/min TIG. The default TIG shield; also the …

• What is argon-CO2 mix used for in welding?

  Argon-co2 mix is used for MIG on steel (Argoshield-family 92/8 to 80/20), typically at 12–15 L/min. More CO2 = deeper penetration,…

• What is 100% CO2 used for in welding?

  100% co2 is used for cheap MIG on thicker steel, typically at 15–20 L/min. Dirtier but cheap and penetrative; fine for farm repair…

• What is nitrogen used for in welding?

  Nitrogen is used for laser welding/claening shielding, stainless backing, typically at 15–25 L/min. Common with handheld lasers; c…

• What is argon-helium mix used for in welding?

  Argon-helium mix is used for hotter arcs on thick aluminium, typically at 12–18 L/min. More heat for a given amperage; costs signi…

• Argon mix or 100% CO2 — which should I buy?

  Buy an argon-CO2 mix for general MIG: cleaner beads, less spatter, better thin-sheet behaviour — and mixes dominate Australian cou…

• How long does a gas bottle last when welding?

  At a typical MIG flow of 12–15 L/min, an E-size bottle (~4,600 L) gives roughly 5–6 hours of arc time — several weeks of hobby wel…

• How much does welding gas cost in Australia?

  Refills of argon-CO2 mix cost roughly $100–$140 per D-size bottle and $150–$200 per G-size in Australian capitals, plus annual hir…