Having trouble welding the handle back on a stainless steel pot

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I am trying to weld the handle back onto a stainless steel cooking pot.  I don't know if it is simply the fact that it is thin, thinner than what I was expecting.  Or if it might be a low grade stainless material.The filler rod I have on hand is the standard 316L.  The handle was originally just spot welded on from the inside.  A couple little dots were all that were visible on the inside.  Those spot welds had let go and that is why the handle fell off.  I though I would just re do a couple small tig welds over the same places.  Well, that is about when the wheels fell off of the wagon, as soon as I cracked an arc.So much for a couple little tig welds, hah, it just burned through and made a large hole.  Ok, so then I thought to weld the handle on from the outside as it is a sold bar.  I was going to keep most of the arc on the thicker handle and wet in the thinner pot with a bit of filler rod.  I do this at work all the time when welding thicker to thin metals etc.  It sort of worked,  now it is just a mess, it is embarrassing.  I have never had so much trouble tig welding something before. What are some suggestions on this? P.s. it's of sentimental value, so no, can't just go buy one. Attached Images
Reply:What were your settings on the machine?You need just enough amps to start an arc using the pedal and adjust accordingly..Dabs of filler  Just enough to hold.Granted those are NOT easy but can be done.Unfortunately however...that one may just be done....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:you might have had better luck with silver solder and a torch. it looks like you now have to put a patch on the outside and fill in the hole from the inside. you could attach the handle to this patch and then braze it with silver.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:yes I was thinking a patch on the outside as the next step
Reply:Keep the tip of your filler right in the seam and light off on the filler. Soon as it wets out instantly stop. Quick timing is the key.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Smaller tungsten, or sharper point. I have never not seen a mess when repaired by others. I think I attempted one once a long time ago and learned what a pain they were. I just don't do them at all now. Strike your arc and them metal just disappears.
Reply:Like docwelder said silver solder and the correct flux
Reply:I did a pot similar to this the other day for my machinist, It looks like you had to much heat. You should have started your arc on the thicker handle and filled it over to the pot, a heat sink in the pan (aluminum or copper stock) backing up to where you where welding would have made a big difference, the only other thing missing is lots of experience on small to super thin material on your tig welding. Good job trying!
Reply:Normally, TIG welding is likely to have the right electrode. For aluminum, the best choice is a pure tungsten rod. You can alternately choose from any number of tungsten alloys, which are uniquely suited to welding particular alloys of metal. For the references, you can follow this blog.http://aluminumrepair.tumblr.com/
Reply:That last post from davidson is SPAM......Yes I will try starting on the fille rod next time and make a much sharper point too.  Will report back later.
Reply:After seeing your results you can now understand why the manuf. SPOT WELDS the handle on...Also I didnt see any Solar B or any other form of shielding on the back side of the pan?  Stainless cooking wear is typically polished at the end of its assembly....Sometimes making it a throw away when it breaks.....Unless it was a super expensive large potI would just buy a new one.....Lynda, being a chef cooks with  lots of big pots and pans.....Like I mentioned, unless it's an expensive pot toss it and buy a new one...don't take a chance on poisoning your food....Last edited by B_C; 02-20-2014 at 02:52 PM.  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:your first mistake was welding the handle directly back onto the pot. you should've welded the handle to a small rectangular piece of stainless then silver soldered that to the pot.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I agree with docwelder, the 2 handheld food mills that I have fixed for friends, I silver soldered back together, worked like a charm.Hobart 210 MVPOxy/Propane Smith Torch SetupLincoln Wel-Pak 100HD"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyways" ~ John Wayne
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