Welding Tips and Tricks

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.

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

A third option is Stain Mix 92% argon 2% CO2 A lot of shops have switched to this with the increase in Helium prices and lack of availability.

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.

FILLER METAL CHARTS (two examples)


http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/~/me ... ection.pdf


http://www.brazing.com/products/Weld_St ... _chart.asp