Newbie advice, settings for solid bar railings.

[Tim Toscana]

Hello all. I am new to welding and looking to fabricate various fences/railings around our property in Italy, mostly above natural stone walls of varying heights. Mild steel 2 metre 8mm flat bar, pre-punched with 12mm holes, for solid bar inserts, topped with Florentine spikes.
Having researched various options I plumbed for a Kempii MIG auto220, as I will likely fabricate some panels in my workshop (where I’ll make up a jig for welding) and other, smaller (60cm) railings in situ, so portability useful.
I have the machine, along with 5kg spools of 8mm wire, and a 9mm flux wire. I’m going to practice with both, but wish to use mostly gas, rather than the flux core, unless I’m outside.
Question around gas, as the only 5litre tanks I can get nearby are a 84% Argon / 16% Co2 mix. I understand that is best practice for MIG welders here, but understood that a 75/25 mix is more standard elsewhere. Can I get some advice on this, and the appropriate wire size to weld 12mm bar to the 8mm plate I will be sourcing.
All other advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

 

[Porkypine]

Prob doesn't help in your specific case but iv'e done loads of very similar and I simply buzzed round the bars with 2.5mm rods , stick welding of course..

 

[denlow60]

Hello all. I am new to welding and looking to fabricate various fences/railings around our property in Italy, mostly above natural stone walls of varying heights. Mild steel 2 metre 8mm flat bar, pre-punched with 12mm holes, for solid bar inserts, topped with Florentine spikes.
Having researched various options I plumbed for a Kempii MIG auto220, as I will likely fabricate some panels in my workshop (where I’ll make up a jig for welding) and other, smaller (60cm) railings in situ, so portability useful.
I have the machine, along with 5kg spools of 8mm wire, and a 9mm flux wire. I’m going to practice with both, but wish to use mostly gas, rather than the flux core, unless I’m outside.
Question around gas, as the only 5litre tanks I can get nearby are a 84% Argon / 16% Co2 mix. I understand that is best practice for MIG welders here, but understood that a 75/25 mix is more standard elsewhere. Can I get some advice on this, and the appropriate wire size to weld 12mm bar to the 8mm plate I will be sourcing.
All other advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

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Your gas mixture is good for welding.
in the UK and USA 75/25 is often used.
but on the mainland 85/15 or 80/20 is often used.
with your gas mixture you can weld well.

 

[steve t]

You'll be fine with that gas and your 0.8 mm wire. Just get practicing.