I have a Craftsman Wire feed Mig welder! Model No. 196.205690. I Know how to use a arc welder and how to use cutting torchs. I have a few questions for someone to help me with. I do not have the 75% argon - 25% Co2 gas! Is it better to use the gas and what does it help? My other question is I can not get any weld to stick! I read the Owners Manual and the trouble shooting section and nothing seems to be wrong! No loose connection inside the welder,Proper extension crod, Proper type & size of welding wire, Good ground, Proper contact tip, Gun connection tight, correct polarity, Clean & Dust free metal! What should i do?

sorry was trying to get to the spell check and hit the wrong button, ok back to what i was saying before i had a brain fart. you need the 75- 25 for welding steel and cast iron and you need 100% argon if you are going to weld aluminum. the gas provides a shield around the weld to keep impurities out this is why you are not getting any kind of penetration, the only way to mig weld with out gas is to use a flux core wire but it makes an ugly weld and is somewhat harder to work with. by the way if you can stick weld then you can mig weld it takes much more talent and control to stick weld. sorry was trying to get to the spell check and hit the wrong button, ok back to what i was saying before i had a brain fart. you need the 75- 25 for welding steel and cast iron and you need 100% argon if you are going to weld aluminum. the gas provides a shield around the weld to keep impurities out this is why you are not getting any kind of penetration, the only way to mig weld with out gas is to use a flux core wire but it makes an ugly weld and is somewhat harder to work with. by the way if you can stick weld then you can mig weld it takes much more talent and control to stick weld.

Thanks or your input! Il get me some gas! Thanks or your input! Il get me some gas!