All MetalShaping

Go Back   All MetalShaping > General Metal Shaping Discussion > Basic questions and answers
  Today's Posts Posts for Last 7 Days Posts for Last 14 Days  

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-17-2010, 11:56 AM
derant derant is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Newmarket, Ontario
Posts: 58
Default Gas welding stainless

I am fabricating an exhaust system(head pipes and possibly mufflers) for a motorcycle out of stainless (304), and was wondering if there is anything specific that I should be aware of i.e. flame, filler material etc.

I have some SS flux from Tinmantech, so I have figured that much out.

On MetalMeet before the meltdown, there were a number of excellent threads on gas welding stainless...
__________________
Derrol Salmon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-17-2010, 04:57 PM
kenb's Avatar
kenb kenb is offline
MetalShaper of the Month Aug. '09 & Mar. '11 Rest In Peace Ken 1960-2011
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Flamborough, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 418
Default

Hi Derrol,

This is a perfect question to ask Pugsy next weekend, as he's welding stainless all the time. He's even welding up a new stainless frame for his '41 right now!

See you next week.

Ken
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-17-2010, 08:52 PM
derant derant is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Newmarket, Ontario
Posts: 58
Default

Yes, I definitely will be asking him next week. I am hoping that he will also bring some SS materials...wouldn't mind pilfering some filler rods .

Input from others would be most welcome as well. I just know there was some good info in the past on gas welding SS that I unfortunately didn't copy from MetalMeet BC (Before Crash).

I recall a guy on MetalMeet, AeroMetalWorker I believe his username was, mentioning having a 3x carburizing flame. Tips like that is what I am looking for.
__________________
Derrol Salmon
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-17-2010, 09:45 PM
cal d cal d is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Default

Gas welding stainless is really no different than gas welding steel except for the following requirements:

1) Flux both sides of the joint and the filler rod.

2) Set flame slightly rich on acetylene (carburizing flame)

3) Use Tig filler rod with low carbon designation (304L, 316L etc). Use a filler rod at least the number of the alloy you are welding i.e. 304 can use 304L or 316L. If you are welding 304 to mild steel use 309 filler rod.

Remember that SS hates oxygen and carbon (makes the heat affected zone brittle, crack prone, and rust prone). That's why I use only a slightly carburizing flame and flux everything. It is also a good idea to use a pickling paste after welding to passivate the heat affected zone. Properly done, you will have porosity free welds that you can polish to a mirror finish if desired.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-18-2010, 09:01 AM
derant derant is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Newmarket, Ontario
Posts: 58
Default

Excellent tips. Thank you.
__________________
Derrol Salmon
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-19-2010, 12:47 PM
rjgideon's Avatar
rjgideon rjgideon is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 10
Default

I haven't gas welded SS, but on the Henrob video, they don't use flux, just a carburizing flame with SS Tig rod (or a slice of the metal you're welding). What benefits are there with using the flux?
__________________
Robert Gideon
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-20-2010, 04:05 PM
Ken Hosford Ken Hosford is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: South East Michigan
Posts: 416
Default

Cal D
the flux you are referring to same as brazing flux or silver soldering flux? I am afraid if I go into my welding supply house they will think I am crackers if I ask for stainless welding flux they think I am nut hen talkking gas welding aluminum
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-20-2010, 08:07 PM
DaveAuer DaveAuer is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 48
Default

Hi Ken,

This is a link to the Harris web site where they offer stainless flux for gas welding...Welding supplies are toward the bottom of the page.



http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/c...les/fluxes.asp

Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-20-2010, 08:40 PM
Ken Hosford Ken Hosford is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: South East Michigan
Posts: 416
Default

Thanks you I am curious to tryit I bought lens for aluminum and played a little but weather got to cold for good ventilation. I need to get back at it .
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-21-2010, 09:36 PM
cal d cal d is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Default

I use a flux called Solar Flux Type B and is used only for welding, not brazing or soldering. Pretty easy to find on the internet or your local weld supply house. It needs to be mixed with methanol to get the best results. HEAT brand dry gas from your local auto supply house works just fine. If you go to the manufacturers web site you can read how to use it.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:39 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.