Need to weld stainless steel

[yomax4]

On the SS wire some call it 308LSI and some call it 308LHS. Same product just different verbiage. L = low carbon HS = High Silicon. 308LSI is L = low carbon SI= added silicon. Different than and S2 or S3 where silicon islands make it difficult to paint without extra cleanup. Also, I have never Mig welded Steel or Stainless with straight Argon..That's a new one for me..

 

[LD1]

IMO, you dont need a special gas mix. We always just used the 75/25 or 90/10 mix we had on when doing mild steel. NEver switched cylinders, just the wire.

Mig certainly isnt as good as tig though. Not only for wanting it water tight, but looks also.

IF your unsure what grade it is, 312 SS stick wire would be my choice. Some specialty rod, like harris super-missile (if they still make it).

 

[Shield Arc]

IF your unsure what grade it is, 312 SS stick wire would be my choice. Some specialty rod, like harris super-missile (if they still make it).

He may want to stop by the ATM. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[LD1]

I never priced it. But we always had a bunch at work, and man did that stuff lay down a good looking bead...

 

[yomax4]

Look up Stoody Versalloy..exact match to Super Missle Weld but 1/4 the price. Comes in Rod and Wire. Made in Bowling Green KY.

 

[dfkrug]

How much different does it weld than regular steel and any special prep
needed?

I welded up some SS railings about 10 y ago and it went OK with my Hobart MIG, SS wire, and Ar gas.
I can't justify buying/renting another gas bottle with Tri-mix. As it is, I rarely use the Ar, since I got
it to do aluminum and rarely do that. I did not try my Ar-CO2.

Anyway, it welded easily, but I did get some rust patina later because I used a contaminated grinding
disc. The disc was contaminated from using it on mild steel. My railings are outside and see lots of
wetness in the winter. Use a new disc.

 

[yomax4]

I need to set up and weld some SS with straight Argon. I can only imagine what the beads look like. Several posts above stated that Argon is what they always use...Gotta try it for myself.

 

[del10820]

Do you need different grinding wheels for the SS than steel beside using a fresh wheel? I remember we used a different type of material .
Del

 

[yomax4]

Stainless wire wheel and or Stainless type grinding wheel. Dedicated stainless wheel for Tungsten Grinding. If not you introduce steel or aluminum to your bead. Most cases it's not the end of the world but if you want to do it right. there you go.

 

[LD1]

I need to set up and weld some SS with straight Argon. I can only imagine what the beads look like. Several posts above stated that Argon is what they always use...Gotta try it for myself.

Not me. I think I am the onle one that just uses the c25 mix that is used with mild steel???

Never had an issue...