Welding: Gas versus Gas-Less

[rogerowen]

I bought a small gas-less Mig welder - a Clarke 90EN which is about the cheapest machine available, and has the added feature of being convertible to Gas. I have struggled to learn the 'black art', but understand that Mig welding with gas is a far better experience. Having recently converted my machine to gas, I can confirm this fact - it's a different weld! The down-side though is that the gas gets gobbled up really quickly. I started with an Argon/Co2 mix and got the best welds to date......... for 5 or 6 minutes that is until the gas ran out. I then bought a Co2 cylinder which lasted a little longer (not as good as Argon) - and at a cost of £18!!!

I'm reluctant to revert to gas-less and I'm currently looking into opening a rental contract with BOC for large cylinders of Argoshield. It represents a large investment into my current Moggie restoration project, and one I hadn't really budgetted for.

Have any members any tips?

The only thing I can think of is to speed up my welding!!!

[steve jw]

I rent a large bottle of gas off energas and pay one charge per yr based on bottle rental then pay for refills, I work with stainless so use pure argon, if you have lots of welding to do its well worth renting a large bottle for 12 months.

[rogerowen]

I rent a large bottle of gas off energas and pay one charge per yr based on bottle rental then pay for refills, I work with stainless so use pure argon, if you have lots of welding to do its well worth renting a large bottle for 12 months.

Thanks for the info, they have a rubbish web-site - but I'll give them a call.

Cheers,
Roger

[steve jw]

I see what you mean about the site, I have rented from them for 15 yrs - they also do 1/2 size bottles. I would still ring boc to see how they compare.

[rogerowen]

I see what you mean about the site, I have rented from them for 15 yrs - they also do 1/2 size bottles. I would still ring boc to see how they compare.

Thanks Steve, there's a BOC outlet just 15 miles from me - so I will see what they have to offer.

Cheers,

Roger

[bmcecosse]

BOC are not cheap! I used the gasless wire recently - and found it terrific! And no gas to worry about. Feeds really well too. But the gas shielded weld should be much cleaner - if you can thole the gas cost......

[rogerowen]

BOC are not cheap! I used the gasless wire recently - and found it terrific! And no gas to worry about. Feeds really well too. But the gas shielded weld should be much cleaner - if you can thole the gas cost......

Thanks BMC. I've ordered another reel of Gas-Less wire, if I can hone my skill I'll save a fortune!

[bmcecosse]

It's cheap as chips - and you can just lift and lay the torch without worrying about switching off the gas....... I have a large bottle of Argon - but I much preferred the gasless. Generally the weld will need grinding down anyway - certainly did in my case!

[rogerowen]

It's cheap as chips - and you can just lift and lay the torch without worrying about switching off the gas....... I have a large bottle of Argon - but I much preferred the gasless. Generally the weld will need grinding down anyway - certainly did in my case!

Yes, the grinding is a grind! I've now invested in ear deffenders after several days of self inflicted deafness! Anyone got tips on faster grinding?

[Plin]

Well I know nothing about welding anyway - but you have taught me new word there Roy 'thole', had to look that one up as never heard of it before!

[rogerowen]

Well I know nothing about welding anyway - but you have taught me new word there Roy 'thole', had to look that one up as never heard of it before!

In danger of going 'Off Topic' here, but I think it's pronounced 'vole' - but then I originate from Essex!

[bmcecosse]

On the grinding - make SURE the sparks don't hit the paintwork or glass surfaces - or your eyes of course.
Certainly not 'vole' according to any of the dictionaries........not an unusual word up here...... We have to thole grief daily from our Dear Leader Soapy Salmond........

[rogerowen]

On the grinding - make SURE the sparks don't hit the paintwork or glass surfaces - or your eyes of course.
Certainly not 'vole' according to any of the dictionaries........not an unusual word up here...... We have to thole grief daily from our Dear Leader Soapy Salmond........

Currently grinding mighty close to fuel tank, I know - complete plonker, but hey! I can't work out why the little blobs of new weld are so hard to grind down.

[philthehill]

I was having a moan to my neighbour regarding gas cylinders especially the rental charges and he gave me details of two companies who do not charge rental on gas cylinders which is a not inconsiderable amount each year.

www.adamsgas.co.uk

and

www.hobbyweld.co.uk

I have not tried them yet but may do so in the future.

[rogerowen]

I was having a moan to my neighbour regarding gas cylinders especially the rental charges and he gave me details of two companies who do not charge rental on gas cylinders which is a not inconsiderable amount each year.

http://www.adamsgas.co.uk

and

http://www.hobbyweld.co.uk

I have not tried them yet but may do so in the future.

That's great, many thanks. Hobbyweld are nearest to me. I understand that the bottles are a little smaller than the BOC ones, you pay a one off deposit of £50 and each fill is £30, all + the dreaded vat of course. Got to be worth a try though!

[katy]

Anyone got tips on faster grinding?

I've found that some grinding discs just don't work very well, especially the cheaper ones. Others of the same grit but a different brand work a lot better.

[bmcecosse]

There are grinding discs - and cutting discs... Don't mix the two up! And I only buy the 'cheap' ones....work well enough for me ! Although - one shop in town wants almost 3 times as much for a (3) pack of discs as the other........ Guess where I shop!

[rogerowen]

There are grinding discs - and cutting discs... Don't mix the two up! And I only buy the 'cheap' ones....work well enough for me ! Although - one shop in town wants almost 3 times as much for a (3) pack of discs as the other........ Guess where I shop!

I did not know this BMC, thanks - I shall search for grinding discs.

[bmcecosse]

Cutting discs are thin - grinding discs are thick! I have two grinders - one loaded with cutting disc and the other with grinding disc. These work well for me - packet of 3 for £1.99 in local Asian furniture shop!! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blackspur-Met ... 4844fa9ab1

[lockupchap]

I'm generally satisfied with the results of gassless, but decided to stick to proper Machine Mart wire afer finding a cheaper brand bought on the 'Bay just seemed to evaporate in use.