Subject: welding stainless steel(s)

From: [email-masked] (William Martin (Temp))
Date: 27 Jun 1996 18:53:21 GMT

Hi,
	Anyone have any info on gas welding stainless steel? Is there a 
particular type stainless that is best to use, or a particular flux/rod
combination that is required?

Thanks,
Bill

---

From: [email-masked] (ErnieLeim)
Date: 28 Jun 1996 01:38:33 -0400

[email-masked] (William Martin (Temp)) asked about welding Stainless
Steel with a gas torch :

I used to use a lot of stainless rod to weld steel with Oxy-acet. All I
ever used was a carburizing flame. Old-timers I talked to, said there used
to be a flux available for gas welding stainless. I found a flux that was
supposed to prevent nickle oxide buildup, but it never seemed to do much.
I liked using stainless filler rod gas welding steel for the same reason
that I use stainless and inconnel filler when TIG welding steel.
The nickle melts at a lower temp than the steel so it flows almost like
brazing.
You should be careful not to keep the weld at red heat for too long or it
will become brittle, also remeber to use either 308L or 316L . The L means
low carbon and helps to prevent the formation of carbides in the weld.
308LSS filler is used on 304SS base metal.
316LSS filler is used on 316SS base metal.
316 has a little better corrosion resistance, and 304 is more maleable.

Best of luck

@}---------------------------------------------------{@
                    Ernie Leimkuhler                                      

                  Stagesmith Productions                                  
                                          
                 Custom Metal Fabrication                                 
               
*    ABANA   SCA     AWS    USITT   IATSE local 15, 488   *
                        Renton, WA                                        
   
*    "Death is like being on holiday with
          a group of germans" ---- Rimmer ( Red Dwarf )
@}------------------------------------------------------{@