Aug 10
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Tips on Welding Stainless
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By Derek Odom, eHow Contributor
Welding stainless steel can be done with both stick and wire feed welders. If you are using a wire feed, or MIG welder, you must use gas on the project because stainless steel does not come in flux-cored form. Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion because of its high chromium content. The ability to weld stainless steel is a great skill to have. There are even jobs specifically for stainless welders.
- Because stainless steel has such a high concentration of chromium, it must be thoroughly cleaned before being welded on. Aggressively going over the surface of the steel with a wire brush will suffice. Doing this will remove not only the natural chromium buildup, but also any dirt, grease, oils or paint that may be present. Stainless needs to be completely debris-free before it will weld properly.
Low Heat
- Because stainless steel is usually found in thin sheets, the welding process can easily warp it. Therefore, it is best to start with cool settings on the welder. Slowly add heat if necessary for better penetration and stronger welds. Much like auto-body panels, stainless steel sheets should be tack welded in several spots and then filled in later. Doing this will reduce the warping of the steel and also properly align the two portions to be welded. Weld in small bursts, keeping the arc only three to four seconds at a time before stopping and allowing the stainless steel to cool before welding on it again.
Stainless Rods
- If you are welding the stainless steel with a stick welder, it is good to know the difference in the rods or electrodes. Only stainless rods are recommended. Any stainless rod ending with the suffix “-16″ can be used with alternating current (AC) welders. If the rod ends with “-15,” then it is intended for a direct current (DC) reverse polarity application. That means that the electrode will be positive, and the “-15″ rod will produce the strongest results.
Normal Wire or Rod
- While it is possible to weld on stainless steel with regular MIG or flux cored wire or rods intended for normal steels, be aware that the welded portions will rust and will therefore need to be protected. A thick covering of primer or clear paint will be necessary if welding stainless with ordinary steel rod or wire to prevent corrosion.
Clean Well
Read more: Best Way – Tips on Welding Stainless | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5794740_tips-welding-stainless.html#ixzz0x3vTQAMh