Stainless stick rod ETC PH RS 347???

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Hello all,Browsing through local welding adds (something like Craiglist), I came across a guy selling consumables (seems like a store close out). He is getting rid of ETC PH RS 347 in several sizes por pretty cheap. Something like 4.0x350 2,1kg package for 7€ and I can pick it up myself.However, I never heard of this rod before. I don't weld stainless often but usually, for my non-critical proyects, I usually pick the cheapest rod arround (usually 308).My question is if this 347 rod is, at least, good enough to practice? How does it compare to 308? Is it a more or less corrosion resistant rod?... For this price I can afford to pad beads on a piece of scrap plate!Thanks in advance.Mikel
Reply:347 is recommended for welding 321 to 304, and can also be used to weld 304 to 304. I use it for Tig as it flows better for me than 308.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Shovelon, thanks for the input. I am afraid I will not be using this rod for the uses you mention since my only stainless experience is limited to a (fairly big) supply of stainless scrap plate (316 mostly) and a few pieces of round stock and tube of uknown stainless grade.If I beat the flux of a stick rod, clean it with some sandpaper and finally with a rag soaked in acetone... could I use it as TIG filler?As long as you guys don't tell me GET AWAY FROM THAT CRAPPY ROD... it should suffice. I just want to make sure I don't jump on a pallet of a rod I will not be able to use at all.Mikel
Reply:That can only be answered by the manufacturer. There are some stick rods that have part of their alloying elements in the flux so breaking it off and using it as a TIG rod would result in a completely different chemical analysis.I say buy them to weld on 304 stainless or even 316 ( if your projects are non critical) but forget about using them as Tig rods.
Reply:I've never heard of the brand but the price is right if they run well. See if you can get just one package to try out before you buy.Not the right rod for 316 but fine for 304.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Finally I went for it and got a few packages. They should do well as practice material. The guy was so nice so as to throw another package of 2,5mm x 300mm Thermanit 21/33 (which I had never heard off before either). So I got something like 19kg of rod for 48€. I will let you all know how it goes...
Reply:ETC is a decent brand. They are an Italian manufacturer.I have seen them used in some occasions and have never experienced any problems.Thermanit is the high alloyed welding consumable line of T-PUT (former Thyssen Welding) and now part of Boehler welding.If you actually have a packet of 21/33 do not waste it practicing, it is a nickel electrode suitable for welding alloy 800 etc and rather expensive.Last edited by taz00; 01-07-2015 at 04:50 AM.
Reply:Yes, you can knocck the flux off and use it for Tig.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by taz00...If you actually have a packet of 21/33 do not waste it practicing, it is a nickel electrode suitable for welding alloy 800 etc and rather expensive.
Reply:I have about a dozen sealed cans of 347-15  and often strip the flux from it to use for tig.  Works very well mild to mild, SS to mild and between the unknown grades of stainless I've tried it on.Jerry 30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:I have used 308 for general farm welding for many years.I used to weld new exhaust tubing with 308.Most of the weld on my log hauler is 308.It hauls heavy loads with no weld failures.I bought a lot of 308 316 and 309 on ebay for 3 bucks a pound when my supply ran low.I dont see it on ebay now at those low prices.308 runs very smooth on my old stick welder.