Gotta MIG Welder How much for the gas

[boustany]

Hello all

I got a MIG welder (Lincoln Weld Pak 5000 HD). It comes set up for Flux Core Wire, so I have to get the gas kit to do actual MIG. I want to do so eventually so I can weld aluminum.

I gotta tell yah, it sure is easy to weld stuff with this gizmo. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Question: what should I expect to pay for CO2 or Argon? How much is the gas, tank rental, and so on?

Thanks

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I'm not sure how it works up there. But down here it's all about networking and volume. What I mean by that is your relationship with your vendor is paramount. There might be forty percent difference between what a percieved no nothin' pays for gas and what an acknowledged friend and pro who does a ton of business pays. I own all my bottles. The lease thing just doesn't work for me.

Have you talked with someone who has your machine and has had success welding aluminum with it? The reason I ask that question is usually welding aluminum with one of those combinations is more work than work.

Aluminum is soft. So when you use your conventional mig you're pushing soft a long distance. That's a problem. Aluminum is softer than the guide it's riding inside the stinger. That can be a problem. Aluminum shaves off and clogs up the liner.

That's why when you see places that weld aluminum all the time use spool guns or a special mig whip that not only pushes but pulls the filler wire.

 

[MadReferee]

Go to the welders forum and ask there. Even though the board is sponsored by Miller/Hobart they answer questions about all types of welders and welding.

Welders Forum

 

[dmftoy1]

I don't pay all that much for a fill (50cu foot bottle). I want to say somewhere around $10. I gave them a $75 deposit and pay $2.50 a month to rent the bottle. If I was doing it again I'd buy the bottle. (probably will again the next time I go in for a fill). I use my welder to fart around and do small projects and a bottle seems to last forever.

Regards,
Dave

 

[soarkrebel]

I bought mine at at a welding supply store. it's a 50 i believe and i pay $17 for a refill ( which is really just a exchange of bottles).
I paid about $90.00 for the bottle and $85 for the flowmeter.
I wish i had gotten a bigger bottle now and will probably trade up.
bottles are high! i just bought a 75 acethylene and 125 oxygen and paid $350 filled.
the price for our toys! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

One other thing i started using anti splatter gel works great! get you some and you'll be buzzing right along!

 

[soarkrebel]

Oh yeah if your going to switch from alum . to steel welding you'll need two bottles . one with a argon /co2 mix and one straight argon. i always just work with steel so i just have argon / co2.

 

[40Kchicks]

I have 145cf bottle. It cost me $125 filled with 75%CO2 25%Ar. Cost about $55 to fill I believe.
Eric

 

[Hoeman00]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Cost about $55 to fill I believe.
)</font>
Man that seems HIGH.
Our 240s are in the $20 range.
Of course it could be that great pure NW air.

 

[boustany]

Thanks all.

 

[chim]

Just paid $15 for 40CF....................chim