The 80 cf cylinder size is a middle-ground option.

It’s great for your small projects around the house or garage. The 40 cf size is quite popular, especially among hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts due to its portability. I’ve found that using a 75% Argon / 25% CO2 blend gives me excellent control over the weld and results in less spatter than pure CO2. This is a popular gas blend, especially for MIG welding steel. However, it may result in a rougher weld than Argon or an Argon/CO2 blend. CO2ĬO2 is the cheapest welding gases and provides deep penetration, which is excellent for welding thick steel. I remember when I first tried out MIG welding and found that using pure Argon gave me a much smoother and cleaner weld than other gases. Let’s explore the most commonly used gases: ArgonĪrgon is primarily used in TIG welding and MIG welding aluminum. Welding requires different types of gases, and knowing which to use can be just as important as understanding cylinder sizes. For instance, more experienced welders who can maintain a consistent bead with less stop/start action will typically use less gas compared to someone still perfecting their technique. Remember, these welding times are approximate and depend on your exact flow rate and the efficiency of your welding process.

The welding time in the table above is based on a standard consumption of 20 cf per hour. This can be used as a reliable tank chart for your projects.

How Much Gas Do I Need as a DIY Welder?īelow is a table listing the most common welding tank sizes and their respective volumes.

How Long Does a Welding Tank Gas Bottle Last.

Welding Tank Material: Steel vs Aluminum.

Modern welding tank chart