indentifying filler

admin

i needed some stainless filler for a small project so a buddy brought me one rod. i welded the part and it came out fine, but then i got thinking. the rod had no markings, so im not 100% sure it was stainless. it sparks, and is non-magnetic. what are the chances this is some aluminum alloy? would it have gone to hell when i tried to feed it into the puddle?thanks guys.Travis
Reply:Well if ya got a grinder, alum will not discolor if it gets hot, stainless will. Also alum will not shoot out sparks on the grinder.Last edited by shovelon; 06-07-2012 at 12:28 AM.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:I've tried alum filler welding stainless and SS filler on aluminum, accidentally, and it flat out won't do it!
Reply:It was most likely Stainless filler.......what grade......Well that's a good question.....  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:If it sparks, it's not Aluminum. Aluminum is softer than stainless and has a lower melting point. Heat the rod with a propane torch. If it glows red, it's stainless. If it melts before it's hot enough to glow, it's Alum.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps