I'm trying to weld some small items (Stainless Steel), They are all made out of stainless steel. before I throw them away I want to see if it's possible that I can weld it my self, I don't think it's that hard. So, if anyone can help me decide what machine I can buy, and tell me things like Voltage, amps, and what else I need to do it myself.
Thank You...
2006-07-29 13:00:10 · 9 answers · asked by Juicioso 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
a TIG (tungsten inert gas) welder is most common. for small items you should not need more than 100 amps. they do make SS wire for a MIG (metallic inert gas) welders. and some rods for SMAGW (shielded metal arc gas welding) most commonly referred to as simply "arc welder". must have a welding helmet to protect eyes. welding gloves are nice but optional. if you use arc welder (I don't recommend this for beginner) a chipping hammer for the weld slag (the protective coating that keeps the steel from oxidizing ) and a wire brush. good luck.
2006-07-29 13:15:46 · answer #1 · answered by biggun4570 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can use either TIG or MIG welders for the most desireable results. Above all especially w/ a MIG do NOT use the gas mixture containing carbon dioxide. Only pure argon gas to get a good bead. Several of the other answers are correct but they seem to have overlooked this very important detail. The voltage of the machine does not affect the performance because it is the power supplied to the machine. The amperage is dependant on the thickness of the material. A loose rule of thumb is 1 amp/ thousandth of an inch. ( 1/8 inch material would need approx. 125 amps, 1/4-250amps, 1/2 inch material- 500 amps.) Some may consider this slight overkill but if you don't have enough amps you will not be able to get a penetrating weld joint. It's better to be safe than sorry. You can actually weld stainless with any welder including a oxy / acetalene torch. I have been a certified welder for over 15 yrs. and it does work it just isn't pretty. Keep in mind practice makes perfect. My first weld looked like bird droppings and my present welds look like they wer done by a robot. Good luck and have fun.
2006-07-30 01:30:38 · answer #2 · answered by wzzrd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its really not that hard for an experienced welder, but if you are asking this question, Im assuming that you dont do alot of (or not at all) welding. I am a metalworker and have been for 6 years now and its one of the most interesting and fun things to do IMO. Your question doesnt really tell much about what you are welding except that it is stainless steel. How thick is the metal? What exactly is it that you are making with these pieces? If you really want to fix/build these items, we will need to know more about them. You say that you will just buy a machine to weld these but it is a little more than that. If you want the welds to look good, youre not going to get it on your first try, its a given and even experienced metalworkers have a hard time making good welds on certain pieces of steel. I would love to help you out with this but I will need some more details. I hope this gives you some insight.
Demon
2006-07-29 16:18:25 · answer #3 · answered by DEMON 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want the welded joints not to rust, a TIG (tungsten inert gas) welder is the way to go. Some MIG(metal inert gas) machines can use a stainles wire to weld BUT you must use Argon gas as the shielding gas. If you dont care about the rust possability any mig wire with either co2/argon or streight co2 will work the co2 will leave spatter that can be brushed or chipped off. the later is by far the cheaper way to go. I have a Lincoln idealarc welder uses 120vac works great for everything upt 3/8ths inch. the voltage/amperage will depend on the alloy and the thickness. If the pieces are large enough a stick weler with Nirod (nickel alloy) will do a good job. The 120 volt weler is a great unit for the aveage homeowner or hobeyist.
2006-07-29 13:24:11 · answer #4 · answered by pappabear52 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is probably dated info, BUT........... It CANNOT be done with the usual arc welder. The first I heard about welding CRES, you needed a TIG welder (tungsten inert gas). There is also something called a MIG. Don't know what the "M" stands for, but the "IG" are same as above. Try doing a search on "CRES, TIG, MIG". You should get all the info you need, including any new technologies that have replaced.
2006-07-29 13:09:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is a special technique to welding stainless. Go to a large welding shop and ask them what you need.
2006-07-29 13:03:45 · answer #6 · answered by ijcoffin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A mig welder will work its a wire fed welder once you get the hang of it you can do it in your sleep.
2006-07-29 13:09:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOu will need a heliarch welder
2006-07-29 13:54:08 · answer #8 · answered by aussie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow, I would like to see a real answer to your question. Best of luck
2006-07-29 13:05:01 · answer #9 · answered by Lifeline 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋