Flashmn

Ok, maybe you can answer me this what alot of people havent been able to.
What happens if I use CO2 as shielding gas when welding stainless steel?

weiRtech

never used it, but i recommend argon for tig- or if you are doing mig try autoweld, i think it is a co2/argon mix that is cheaper than 100% argon.

beepy

When using 100% argon with stainless, I get a high crown that appears to be from a "cold" weld. When using 75%Ar/25%CO2, I get a hotter weld with better penetration. Based on that, I imagine 100%CO2 would create a weld so hot it would be impossible to avoid blowthrough. That's just a guess, though.

k24em2

I'm assuming you are using a MIG welder, but the trimix seems to be the choice for SS and a MIG.

Flashmn

Yes, I know you're supposed to use trimix etc, but I'm just asking what would happen if I welded stainless with CO2.

...and yes its a MIG in question here.

fabrak8rX

like beepy said - youll just get a cold weld, specifically with a mig set up, the same is not true of tig. some call it a "ropey" weld. generally poor penetration, it acts sort of like tinning if you know what i mean, it just dosent flow.

it isnt that it dosent work at all, its just on the low low end of functionality.

even if im just tacking up something, ill switch to the trimix. its a night and day difference to me.

Flashmn

Hmmh, well I'm gonna try it this week and see what happens. Would cut down on gas costs if it works even "remotely" with CO2.

fabrak8rX

sure give it a go - try a little more amps than usual for your material thinkness and go easy on the regulator pressure. it might get ya by.