There are 3 common ways to learn how to weld Stainless Steel Electrodes. SMAW
(shielded metal arc) or stick welding, GMAW, commonly known as Mig welding
(metal inert gas), and GTAW (tungsten inert gas) or Tig welding.
Stick or Arc welding
The methods to stainless using an arc welder differ little
to that of welding mild steel. Generally, a gauge stainless steel electrode is
used for arc welding Stainless Steel
Electrodes. A safety note of caution, like mild steel there is a coating of
slag left on a completed bead, with steel that the slag needs chipping off,
however stainless slag has a propensity to 'ping' off as it cools. This can
cause serious eye damage always wear eye protection using stainless
electrodes. Using an arc machine is a relatively easy way to learn how to weld
stainless steel.
Mig welding stainless steel
Again, a similar process used on steel. Obviously, you will
need to exchange the mig welding wire for stainless steel wire. This is
normally available in 304 and 316 grades. Use 316 grade stainless wires in high
corrosion areas and for marine applications. You will also need to use pure gas
instead of c02 which is used for mild steel. Mig welding is common in metal
fabrication shops.
How to Tig Stainless
This method is the most difficult to learn how to weld Stainless Steel Welding, however in my
opinion it is by far the most satisfying and offers a pure joint between base
metal and filler metal.
Using a tig requires more skill but in a way, is like using
the Oxy-Acetylene gas process. Tig welders use a little hand-held torch that
carries a tungsten electrode to create the arc. Tungsten is used as it has an
extremely high melting point. The tungsten tip, when struck into the metal
creates the arc and begins the fusion process; at this point a filler rod is
introduced to add substance to the joint. This is where the operator needs a
steady hand.
Learning how to weld
Stainless Steel Welding comes down to using the correct equipment and
choosing the best process for the job. For basic welding of stainless the arc
or mig process will suffice, however if you need a quality finish or are
constructing a product that requires a clean finish such as a commercial food
mixing component the tig welder is the way to go. As with everything using the
correct process and practice will get you to expert status in no time.
