millermatic 185
 

I just bought a millermatic 185 as my first welder. I am new to welding but i do ok. I do have a question about the GAS though. in the book it says some use argon and some use co2 some use mixes... My question is what best all around? and if the best is a mix do i need 2 bottles or can they fill the bottle with both?

Re: millermatic 185
 

Just go ask for Tri mix for a mig.

Re: millermatic 185
 

ya just go with a nice mig mix, every company calls it something else.

Re: millermatic 185
 

Steelmix from AirGas

Re: millermatic 185
 

OK as i bought the welder used... it has a filled bottle. so how do i tell whats in the bottle or isnt there anyway to tell? Also my weld beads look decent but i am gettign a lot of spatter. I tried all speeds and all power lvls. Still lots of spatter. So what could be the reason? the tip is a bit old as well as the tip sheild. could that be the problem?

Re: millermatic 185
 

bump

Re: millermatic 185
 

if the bottles not marked your fucked, mig mix welds cleaner then strait co2. So it might just be co2. get some spray on antispatter for now( comes in a rattle can) ;)

Re: millermatic 185
 

not to sound like a NOOB but the spray is for the metal or for the tips on the welder.

Re: millermatic 185
 

are you sure your gas is ON?

you may need more gas if you get a lot of splatter; try turning up the gas before you put antisplatter on; you shouldn't need it

/edit: also clean out the gas nozzle; if there is a bunch of buildup in there you wont get the right gas coverage. also make sure you hold the tip close to the metal; if you pull back too far you'll get a lot of splatter as the gas isn't shielding.

lastly check the power/wire feed speeds for the thickness of metal you're using; if its too high you can get splatter

Re: millermatic 185
 

you spent the money for a 185 and you dont know what kind of gas to use :1 :1

for alluminum is 100% argon
for steel its argon and Co2 normally 75/25
and for stainless they put heilium in the steel mix