Stainless with flux-core?

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I was recently contacted with a repair job.  It is a giant stainless grill lid that got cracked up pretty bad.  I don't run gas and use .035 flux-core wire.  While I know it's not the BEST idea, can it be welded successfully using that regular steel wire?  I don't even own a bottle, and most the searching online that i've done for SS wire uses gas.  Suggestions?  It's a MM135 110v machine.  Thanks in advance!Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:Nobody?  Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:While it may be possible to weld ss with mild steel filler, it will no longer be stainless at the weld joint. Tig or mig may be a better choice, but I have only tried welding stainless with tig, and that was only school practice welds. Try some scrap and find out. If looks are important, don't get your hopes up!Shield Alloys.com linkKobelco welding pdf linkThe Fabricator.com link on tig weldingBrewing Techniques.comLast edited by tanglediver; 11-24-2007 at 07:36 PM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:It is not something that i would reccamend. If the orignal base material is cracked it will more than likely crack easier with the wrong filler. What caused the SS to crack to begin with. It doens't seem like a grill lid would be subjected to those kinds of stresses. --Gol'
Reply:I have never done it     dont knowFlux-core I suppose would have the heat for ss;however, I just dont think it would work.  Post some pics and prove me wrong.......I hope Im wrong       Never thought of that one weld it like you own it
Reply:Is the stainless bare? If the filler is mild steel that will rust and stand out like a sore thumb. And like Go1lum said, why did the thing crack in the first place?Are they payin you to do this?
Reply:Yes it can be done, and it welds rather easily. And the filler takes on some of the SS properties. (ie) it does rust, but not as fast for this reason I suppose.Miller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 130 XPLincoln HD 100 Forney C-5bt Arc welderPlasma Cutter Gianteach Cut40ACent Machinery Bandsaw Cent Machinery 16Speed Drill PressChicago Electric 130amp tig/90 ArcHobart 190 Mig spoolgun ready
Reply:Originally Posted by STwelderYes it can be done, and it welds rather easily. And the filler takes on some of the SS properties. (ie) it does rust, but not as fast for this reason I suppose.
Reply:Go with Gas and solid or FCAW.  John G.SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Yes, they are paying me, the grill is HUGE and fell off his truck, cracking the stainless lid pretty good.  I'll go to the "how to post pics" thing and try to get some up here, it really doesn't look all that hard, i just don't want to do a customer wrong if i can help it .Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:Cracked the lid?? Or a weld ripped open? Is there some kind of extremely brittle stainless they use for this kind of thing?
Reply:Let me see if this works: Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:So that's the damage, they want me to repair it, but i've only got the flux core......dilemma!Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:Just get a roll of flux-core stainless wire. It aint cheap but you just add it to the job charge.
Reply:eewwww, that sucks
Reply:LOL what is it like 60.00?  I suppose I could tell 'em that, see what they say .Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:60 an hour, how much does a new lid cost?
Reply:I am not sure about the wire dilema, but keep in mind how thin that cover is. With flux core, it burns hotter than if you are using gas. Be careful on not burning through, and go slow at first to make sure it all is working out alright.  If you can... find some similar practice pieces to set your wire speed and heat range.I'm 21 and learningAvid 4wd enthusiastASE Master tech (Automotive), mechanic/fabricator by trade
Reply:Dang, I've searched quite a bit and can't find stainless steel wire that is made for no gas, flux core!  Does anyone know if this even exists, and if it does where to get it and about what i'd be looking at pricewise?  Thanks y'all!Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:If you can't find a wire that will leave you with a job you'd be proud of, I'd pass on it. Or just be sure that the customer is fully aware of what he may end up with(more likely to crack, rusted welds, etc) if welded with a mild steel wire. You don't need him showing bad work to potential customers. I welded cracks on a stainless visor off a Peterbilt with mild steel wire. I managed to get it to stick with a bunch of quick tacks but it wasn't pretty. I painted it when it was finished (you won't be able to do that). My brother in law says it still is crack free. Just my 2 centsIf you don't want to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them.
Reply:I agree, I think I will pass on it and tell them they may want a welder who either specializes in stainless or has the proper setup.  Thanks SWells.  BTW, I love your flames LOL.Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:Originally Posted by SkwerlyDang, I've searched quite a bit and can't find stainless steel wire that is made for no gas, flux core!  Does anyone know if this even exists, and if it does where to get it and about what i'd be looking at pricewise?  Thanks y'all!
Reply:Originally Posted by SkwerlyDang, I've searched quite a bit and can't find stainless steel wire that is made for no gas, flux core!  Does anyone know if this even exists, and if it does where to get it and about what i'd be looking at pricewise?  Thanks y'all!