Mig gas bottle.

[m_c]

If only they could develop a robot that can handle patching back together rusted to nothing metal, along with straightening out and welding back together deformed metal...

[birchy]

21 years of experience certainly helps. I don't disagree that Argon/CO2 mixes can be better, but for home use, the cost far outweighs the small benefits. Mig isn't the best suited for anything less than 1mm thick. I've welded cars and sheet metal < 1mm thick but have to spot it to avoid overheating, but that's generally the case no matter what gas you use. Nowadays, I use my TIG set if I'm working with sheet metals or need better pool control. Welding rusty, galvanized or painted metal is bad practice. Preparation is everything. But you already know that.

[spluppit]

BOC and Volkszone - Gas Offer - MIG Welding Forum

This is your best best for cost effectiveness There are many rent free deals out there but they are still not as cost effective as the volkszone offer. The deal is still live and active and you can return the bottle as and when you wish.

You may also like to take a good read around the forum as there is a host of info on there.



Kind regards,


Scott

[birchy]

I did look at that a few months ago when I was looking for pure argon for my TIG set but at £43 a year rental and £32 a refill (for Argoshield...pure argon is probably more), with a 9L bottle likely to last me about 5 years, it wasn't the cheapest option. Adams Gas is more expensive at £55 deposit and £50 a refill but even if the bottle only lasts 2 years, total cost is £105 vs £118. But yes, if you're likely to empty a bottle in less than a year (which is a LOT of welding), then that BOC offer is the cheapest.

[m_c]

Preperation is key, however not always possible given some of the repair jobs I get to tackle.

Puresheild is a lot more expensive than Argosheild. I'm sure it was around twice the price the last time I got a refill.
I should really return it, as I've hardly used TIG for a while, but it's still half full, and is useful for those odd jobs where MIG is no good.