Gasless MIG

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Recently ran out of Argon/CO2 gas and horrified with the price increase of the small disposable bottles (from 32€ about 2 years ago to over 64€ now).  I have a roll of 0.9mm Gasless wire, so have had a go. Watched a few videos to alter the technique from Gas MIG (Changed the wires over on the MIG welder and the feed wheel / nozzle).

I am trying to weld 1mm walled square tube with mixed results (a bit messy).

Two questions:–

Are there different qualities of Gasless wire ?

Should I be using thinner wire (If available) ?

Bob

[peak4Participant @peak4]

I’ve never used gasless MIG, and am currently running CO2 on my Cebora 140 which is less than ideal, but what do you mean when you say changed the wires over? Are you using a welder designed for gasless wire?
Do you mean the electrical wires?
I understand that gas and gasless use opposite electrical polarities.

Bill

[Andy StopfordParticipant @andystopford50521]

It takes a little practise, and the flux makes it a bit more difficult to see the weld pool. It’s recommended to drag rather push to prevent slag inclusions. Other than that, fiddle with the settings to get it right.

Once you’ve got used to it, it works well, and is invaluable if you’re working outside on a windy day. Also, in a confined space e..g. when car fixing, you can take the gas shroud off the torch (since it’s not doing anything) which improves visibility. Put a bit of heat-shrink tube over the exposed part of the nozzle to stop stuff sticking to it, and prevent it arcing if you knock the side of it on anything grounded.

My welder takes 0.8mm wire, so that’s what I use.

[Author]

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