Welding gas covers the shielding gases that protect a weld and the fuel and oxygen used for cutting and brazing. Argon is the common gas for TIG, argon and CO2 mixes are used for MIG on steel, and oxygen with acetylene runs a cutting torch. These cylinders are usually rented from an industrial gas supplier, with a monthly rental and a charge for each refill, though some workshops buy their own. This page covers which gas suits which job, sizes and costs, regulators and safe storage. Ask once and local suppliers will quote you for free, with no obligation.
Which gas for which job
- Argon: the standard shield gas for TIG on steel, stainless and aluminium, and for MIG on aluminium.
- Argon and CO2 mixes: the usual MIG gas for mild steel, giving a smoother arc and less spatter than straight CO2.
- CO2: a cheaper MIG gas for steel, with a harsher arc.
- Oxygen and acetylene: for cutting, brazing, heating and gas welding.
- Nitrogen: for purging pipework and pressure testing.
Ask the supplier which mix suits your machine, material and wire.
Sizes, rental and refills
Welding gases come in small cylinders for hobby and site work up to tall cylinders for a busy workshop. Most are rented: you pay a monthly rental per cylinder plus a refill charge each time it is swapped. Some suppliers sell owned cylinders. As a guide, full welding gas cylinders list at about R2,800 for a small argon or CO2 mix to R7,500 for a large argon; refills and rental are quoted. Count every cylinder you hold, because each one carries rental. A hobby welder who uses gas only now and then may find an owned cylinder cheaper over a year, while a busy shop usually prefers rental because the supplier tests and maintains the cylinders.
Regulators, flowmeters and flashback arrestors
Each gas needs its own regulator, made for that gas and its cylinder valve. Shield gases use a regulator with a flowmeter so you can set the flow at the torch. Oxygen and acetylene sets need flashback arrestors fitted to protect against a flame travelling back up the hose, and hoses in good condition. Never use oil or grease on oxygen fittings. For LPG regulators used on gas burners, see gas regulators and hoses.
Storing and chaining cylinders
Store cylinders upright, chained or strapped to a wall, bench or cylinder trolley so they cannot fall. Keep the valve caps on when cylinders are not in use or being moved. Acetylene cylinders are stored and used upright. Keep oxygen apart from fuel gases and well away from oil and grease. Close the valves at the end of the day. Never use oxygen to blow dust off clothes or a bench: it soaks into fabric and makes it burn fiercely.
What to include in your request
- The process: MIG, TIG, cutting or brazing
- The material and machine you use
- Cylinder size and how many
- Rental or owned cylinders
- Regulators or flowmeters needed
Welding & Industrial Gas for different clients
- Homeowners: a small owned MIG mix cylinder for gate repairs and hobby welding in the garage
- Complexes, estates and body corporates: maintenance teams with a cutting set for repairs to gates, palisades and railings
- Restaurants, takeaways and bakeries: stainless fabricators building kitchen counters and extraction canopies with TIG and argon
- Guest houses, lodges and venues: a workshop on a game farm with a MIG set for trailers and fencing
- Farms and smallholdings: oxygen, acetylene and MIG gas for repairing implements, trailers and windpumps
- Factories, warehouses and workshops: fabrication shops with racks of rented argon, MIG mix, oxygen and acetylene
- Campers, caravanners and event hosts: 4x4 and trailer builders welding roof racks and canopies on weekends
- Gas installers, plumbers and dealers: boilermakers and steel erectors renting cylinders for site work
Frequently asked questions
What gas do I need for MIG welding?
What gas is used for TIG welding?
How much does a welding gas cylinder cost?
Can you find me a welding gas supplier near me?
Welding & Industrial Gas by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg