Welding stainless
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From: Fat Chance Hotel
Welding stainless I have a Lincoln 100 amp wire feed welder that I can purchase ( according to Lincoln ) a MIG conversion for welding stainless/aluminum. I don't plan on doing this very often, but I've only welded SS with a TIG. Does anyone have any feedback with regards to quality of welding SS with a MIG setup such as this?
I do it all the time with my MIG. You don't need a conversion kit for SS. All I do is change the wire to .030" 318 stainless wire. Same 75/25 MIG gas, same liner, everything. Welds practically just like mild steel. You don't get a 100% pure weld, as in welding 304 SS with a TIG, but for stuff like exhaust and other small things it works perfect.
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From: Fat Chance Hotel
Update My father-in-law was nice enough to give me the MIG conversion kit for Christmas. I picked up the gas cylinder today and installed the new liner, gas solenoid, regulator, etc. I was very pleased to see how well this welder performed vs. the shitty flux core I had been using til now. I'll give the SS a try just after I pick up a spool of wire from the store.
Wait, I'm getting a vision....I see two pipes...two mufflers....and shininess.
Wait, I'm getting a vision....I see two pipes...two mufflers....and shininess.
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Launching!
Joined: May 2004
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From: Auburn, WA
one thing to remember if you dont use a pure argon gas your gona get a little bit of bird **** on your SS i havnt welded aluminum but tig is by far better for doing that from talking to my machinst at work. mig welds dont get near the penetration you get with tig but you can put enough material over it that it would work fine for exhaust (did on my test tubes i put on to replace my cats) definitely need the stainless wire. but the gas is going to be very important for a clean weld.
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
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From: Fat Chance Hotel
I thought I'd dig up this thread. I finally got around to installing the MIG kit on my welder. First thoughts: welding mild steel became much cleaner (obviously) than the flux core. Then I finally got around to welding stainless with some stainless wire using the mix gas. Welds great, no problems. I did notice that even on the lowest setting, it was a bit hot for the 18 gauge exhaust pipes on the butt joints but perfect on the lap joints. Great setup for a DIY'er in the home shop.
Originally Posted by technical
I haven't welded AL before. I thought you needed to use AC instead of DC?
Will 100amps be enough heat for SS? I'm thinking exhaust pipes and other thin stock.
Will 100amps be enough heat for SS? I'm thinking exhaust pipes and other thin stock.
Originally Posted by CBX
I think it's the other way around, DC for Aluminum and AC for stainless.
Welding Hey, I have a 120 volt Hobart handler 140 with 100% argon, stainless does just fine only the weld is more blackened in color,but penetrates good . For Alum. Welding supplier set me up with a nylon liner for the gun, .030 alum. wire and .035 tip, use 100% argon with approx. 45 psi on guage, Run on your highest setting the welder has, wire speed around 85/90, back off the tension on wire rollers almost all the way, keep your gun cable straight as possible and try to maintain 1/4-3/8 wire stick out while welding. anything over 1/8" thick I use a butane 1lb. torch and preheat before welding, also get a s.s. brush and clean Alum. in welding area that way you don"t contamiate the alum.with iron and metal particles from std. brushes, Also make sure you have a good clean Ground because any arc. will ball up wire in rollers. Mine works fine.. My 2 cents, Good luck...
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Knoxville, TN
Welding Stainless is just like regular steel except your work is more expensive . Your puddle is just about the same. Just make sure you have the right wire and shielding. It's all about watching that puddle. The only metal that has a weird puddle is aluminum, but all that takes is practice and more heat.
. Your puddle is just about the same. Just make sure you have the right wire and shielding. It's all about watching that puddle. The only metal that has a weird puddle is aluminum, but all that takes is practice and more heat. 