joining 304L to mild steel

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I have to attach a 2x4 304 stainless tubing, which will be capped on top, to a 4x4 mild steel post. What is the best way for me to do that? I was thinking tapping holes and using machine screws. But I would like to weld them together if possible.  It would be much quicker.Could I TIG weld it and use 308 filler rod? Or would that joint just rust out eventually? Cuz this is gonna be a post for a gate, its gonna be inside of a stone pillar.  What would you guys do? http://www.philswelding.com
Reply:I would bolt it if it's not accessible, because the welded joint will rust. As the carbon from the ms will be in the joint. But on that note your welding it to ms that will also be enclosed and that will rust also so without seeing it and knowing the environmental conditions it's hard to say. Here in az ms takes forever to rust and being out of the weather I would not worry about it but in the southeast it's a different animal.Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:If you use the correct filler for welding stainless to mild steel (309 or 312) the weld will not rust.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Use 309 filler.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:As mentioned, 309 filler.Miller Diversion 180Hobart Handler 140 (Soon to be replaced with Miller 211?)Miller Spectrum 625 Extreme
Reply:I was told 308 will work as well per my old threadhttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=145051Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:309L is good for welding stainless to mild.
Reply:magna 303 gold !
Reply:In theory couldn't you use 70s6? It would hold together, the weld metal is not going to be pure stainless (as in 304, 308, whatever) as the ms and ss will be mixed. But it would probably rust faster than using a ss filler.Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:You can use whatever filler you want to do the job and stick the pieces together.However, 309 (and 312) is an over alloy specifically for joining ss to mild steel or welding dissimilar metals. It is designed to maintain the stainless properties of the weld when mixing (welding) dissimilar metals.If you use 308 filler to weld ss to mild steel, in time you will end up with rust due to the mild steel mixing into the weld.Use the correct filler for the job and don't worry about it.Last edited by snoeproe; 10-11-2012 at 08:31 PM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:We use inconel to join ss to carbon in the boiler business. 309 is much cheaper though.
Reply:Yup, inconel will accomplish the same thing. I work in a high pressure powerplant as well.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Ok 309, so im assuming most welding supply places have that? But it may not matter at all if it rusts cuz it'll be inclosed. http://www.philswelding.com
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeYou can use whatever filler you want to do the job and stick the pieces together.However, 309 (and 312) is an over alloy specifically for joining ss to mild steel or welding dissimilar metals. It is designed to maintain the stainless properties of the weld when mixing (welding) dissimilar metals.If you use 308 filler to weld ss to mild steel, in time you will end up with rust due to the mild steel mixing into the weld.Use the correct filler for the job and don't worry about it.
Reply:You should use 309, but who cares just stick/mig it, no need to overcomplicate it... you're probably painting the thing anyway.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Here in az ms takes forever to rust and being out of the weather I would not worry about it but in the southeast it's a different animal.
Reply:! do a lot of ss to mild 309 is my first choice.