304 stainless weldable?

Willing Pell · Post by **Willing Pell** » Mon Nov 10, 2003 6:24 am

Just a quick question as to whether 304 stainless is weldable. My mig welder manual doesn't measure the different types of stainless.

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The artisan formerly known as Willing Pell, then Juan Santell and then Willing Pell again. Hey, Prince could do it, why not me?

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Mon Nov 10, 2003 7:50 am

Yes, it is best done with TIG rather than MIG, I believe. Call your welding supply place to see what they have for MIG.

Frederich Von Teufel · Mon Nov 10, 2003 10:38 am

304 can be welded quite successfully using pretty much any method (TIG, MIG, Stick, even Oxy/Acetyl), so long as you have the correct filler rod.

While I can't remember offhand which rod is correct for 304, your welder supply shop will.

Frederich

Thomas Edmund · Post by **Thomas Edmund** » Mon Nov 10, 2003 11:44 am

Yes, 304 stainless is weldable. With TIG I use 308 or 316 rod and argon gas. With MIG you'll get better results with 75/25 (CO2/argon) mixed gas. A tip with MIGing stainless, you have to move faster than welding mild steel. There's also more distortion with stainless; use lots of tacks before the final pass.
Tom