I would normally TIG anything stainless but I currently only have access to my Miller MIG machine. I need to do a small amount of welding on some thin 304 and 316 SS, and I am not sure what wire to go with. Does anybody have an suggestions for a wire that works well? I would also appreciate any tips or pointers anyone has.
Thank you for your help.
- Otto Nobedder
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Weldmonger
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Joined:Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:40 pm
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Location:Near New Orleans
308/308l/308lsi wires work fine for both 304 and 316.
Only if the 316 you're welding is in a highly corrosive environment would you need a 316/316l wire, which is available, but costlier.
Note that you should have the right gas for the job. 75/25 will give "fair" results, with much darkening of the weld. "Tri-mix" (90% helium, 7.5% argon, 2.5% CO2) is the preferred gas. If you can do it with 75/25, you'll require more heat than you'd use with the tri-mix.
Steve S
Only if the 316 you're welding is in a highly corrosive environment would you need a 316/316l wire, which is available, but costlier.
Note that you should have the right gas for the job. 75/25 will give "fair" results, with much darkening of the weld. "Tri-mix" (90% helium, 7.5% argon, 2.5% CO2) is the preferred gas. If you can do it with 75/25, you'll require more heat than you'd use with the tri-mix.
Steve S
williejack
- williejack
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New Member
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Joined:Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:09 pm
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Location:Livonia,MI
Been my exp,rule of thumb no matter what welding process arc,mig,tig,as long as the rod, wire #is higher than the material your welding you will be fine.For example 304 stainless use 308,312,316 wire or rod,as far as gas selection tri -mix is the best ,but costly we always use 98/2.
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