Welders! Stainless Steel Question

[RileyRacing]

Can you MIG weld stainless? I've been figgering to weld up an intake for my Stovebolt, and since I don't have a TIG was wondering if I could MIG it... Do they make Stainless wire? What type of gas, etc.

Thanks!

Jay

[Petejoe]

Yes, they sell a wire for stainless. You can also use regular mild steel wire for that application. But it will rust in those areas.

[demonspeed]

yea you can MIG it, I believe you need pure argon for gas though. and stainless steel wire too.

[oldchevyseller]

You can get away with using a regular 75/25 mix of Argon/CO2, but only if you are doing single-pass welds where you won't be building up too much excess heat, which can mess up the properties of stainless. That would probably work fine for your project.

The best way, especially if you don't already have 75/25 on hand, is an Argon/CO2/Helium mix. It is sold under a number of brand names, the ones I've used are called "Tri-Mix" and "Stainshield Light." Just ask your usual gas supplier for an Argon/CO2/Helium mix for welding stainless and they'll set you up with the right stuff.

pure argon is for aluminum welding


When welding stainless steel with MIG or stick, the welding fumes often contain particles of chromium and nickel, of which chromium is more dangerous to inhale. Adflo with particle filter offers you excellent protection in this application

[Junkyard Dog 32]

Sure.

I'd use smaller diameter wire (.030 or less) and argon.
It's messy too. Expect lots of spatter... that's why I like the smaller wire.
It "sizzles" when it's welding good.

JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[RileyRacing]

I see...

I do have 75/25, that's what I've had since I bought the welder. So that's good! I might get the "tri-mix" just cause it'll help my welds look good. It's been over 5 years since I tried to weld anything with a MIG. I am pretty good with a stick welder though... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I just gotta find stainless wire.

Thanks for the tips!

Jay

[oldchevyseller]

any fleet farm otr tractor supply , other wise ebay has a bunch for 8 bucks a 2 lb spool

[RileyRacing]

Guess that gives me an excuse to go see my buddy out in Techumseh this weekend! TSC here I come! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jay

[ray]

i farted around with it a little, using flux core mig wire of all things, and i think it welded better than mild steel.