Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    42

    Default Gas for stainless

    What are the issues with using argoshield light with stainless. Should I be using another gas blend?

    Cheers
    There ain't no devil, it's just god when he's drunk!!

    Tom Waits

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    NINGI Qld Australia
    Age
    68
    Posts
    208

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Enfield Guy View Post
    What are the issues with using argoshield light with stainless. Should I be using another gas blend?

    Cheers
    Assuming you are talking about MIG process I think you can weld SS relatively successfully with the Argoshield light, but I think a more ideal mix is 2%CO2, 98%Argon.
    I just use Argoshield myself because I refuse to pay for a 3rd bottle. Can't remember the downside of using the higher CO2 mix but it's just not as ideal as the lighter miix but still seems to weld OK.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Christies Beach
    Age
    59
    Posts
    121

    Default

    At work we have Stainshield.

    I've not used argoshield light with stainless so I am of no help there.
    The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.
    Albert Einstein

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Minbun, FNQ, Australia
    Age
    66
    Posts
    2,012

    Default

    Confusing stuff but I think it is best with a helium mix.
    Cliff.
    ...if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Mackay
    Posts
    37

    Default

    there is a black oxidation beside the weld, that depending on what finish you want, you will have to acid clean and blend back to suit. It will do the job well though, plus you will be able to use it for any steel work you wanna do. Saves getting two cylinders. (Thats for mig process, straight argon for tig.)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lebrina
    Posts
    1,910

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by brenton21 View Post
    there is a black oxidation beside the weld, that depending on what finish you want, you will have to acid clean and blend back to suit. It will do the job well though, plus you will be able to use it for any steel work you wanna do. Saves getting two cylinders. (Thats for mig process, straight argon for tig.)
    Almost any gas will produce a weld for sure. It takes the correct gas to produce a weld of good appearance and suitable mechanical and physical proerties. Ask yourself why you are using stainless for a given job? Corrosion resistance? Heat resistance? Appearance? You most probably will sacrifice one or more of those prorerties if you choose to go the higher CO2 pathway, (Argoshield Light). Unfortunately this compromising of the material may not be fully apparent for some extended period after you perform the work. My advice, don't mess around. Stainless is an expensive product and is far more time consuming than steel to work with generally speaking. You don't want unexpected failure down the track, think of say a weld corroding 3 months after you have installed a job somewhere or a component failing due to internal corrosion leading to injury.
    I cannot think of a single reason other than emergency repair, when compromising on consumables would be a recommended practice.
    I don't know what you are welding, but perhaps consider the use of ss electrodes and stick weld it if you cannot justify the extra gas, although you are obviously going to but a roll of ss wire so must be considering doing a bit of work.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    42

    Default

    Thanks for the replies. Very helpful. At this stage what I am making is just a prototype. Stainless is proposed for appearance purposes and the welds will not be seen in either this or the finished good. If it works, then I will be having the welding done by a workshop geared up for stainless.

    Cheers
    There ain't no devil, it's just god when he's drunk!!

    Tom Waits

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lebrina
    Posts
    1,910

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Enfield Guy View Post
    Thanks for the replies. Very helpful. At this stage what I am making is just a prototype. Stainless is proposed for appearance purposes and the welds will not be seen in either this or the finished good. If it works, then I will be having the welding done by a workshop geared up for stainless.

    Cheers
    I see, in that case then I would simply hit it with steel wire and whatever gas you currently use. Argoshield light would be fine if that is what you normally use, so would CO2, Argoshield Universal, Heavy or any other gas intended for steel.

Similar Threads

  1. Stainless TIG gas consumption
    By Corgan in forum WELDING
    Replies: 27
    Last Post: 12th Sep 2011, 06:09 PM
  2. Stainless steel hex bar
    By Sterob in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 21st Feb 2008, 11:28 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •