Stainless advice

admin

I am a new welder. I have a Lincoln 180 mig. A friend has asked me to do some fabricationon some stainless kitchen equipment(mostly table tops which are relatively thin). I have only used my welder with flux core wire, but I do have a tank of straight CO2. Can someone advise me on the best technique I can use with the machine I have? Which will give the best result: solid wire w/ the co2, flux core, or dual shield wire? If dual shield is used would the polarity be set for solid or flux? Also, I want to do this "affordably". Is anyone familiar with US Forge 11876 Flux Cored Stainless Steel Wire .035? 1lb roll is about $50Thanks
Reply:there was a thread about this  you need to check. use the search on forum for more infoyorkiepap has some info on SS with a mig.. should enlighten youidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:SS  with mig will take a tri-mix  or can be done with c2 gases (in spray transferor Tig with straight argonidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:The 180 most likely does NOT have enough arc voltage to run a dual-shield type of wire.If you weld stainless steel with straight CO2, you most likely end up with steel that is no longer stainless.And thin sheet metal is not all that easy to weld.  Thin stainless steel is a bit more 'difficult' to weld, because of the easy warping you can get.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:98% Ar, 2% CO2 is what I recommend.  Cheaper than Tri-mix with a more fluid weld puddle.Also, MoonRise is correct, it will warp.  You can minimize it by having a great setup and fitup, but it will move on you, so plan accordingly.