Tig welding question

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I need to weld a large ( 3 1/2") ball bearing to a 1 1/2" stainless rod.  I have a 300 amp ESAB TIG.I've never had to weld something this hard. Can someone help?  I would assume that annealing the ball bearing would help quite a lot, but the steels are quite different. What type of filler rod would be best?  The ball bearing is aircraft grade E52100 and the stainless is 304. Would a different type of steel rod be any easier than stainless.Thanks for any help.
Reply:309 stainless.
Reply:+1 for 3/32" ER309 Stainless.
Reply:Pre-heat to 250C and use 309.I would make it cool down slowly - maybe bury it in sand.309 is the highest nickle content filler rod.  Makes it ductile.I would have real concerns about the ultimate strength.  If strength is an issue, I would revisit either material choice or talk with a heat treater to see what they can do/recommend.  If its ornamental, I think you will be alright.  Just figure out how you will protect from rust.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by con_fuse9...  Just figure out how you will protect from rust.
Reply:Originally Posted by zipzitOkay, I'll bite.  Stainless steel ball bearing, stainless steel rod, stainless steel filler... so what's there that needs protection from rust?If the item is only ornamental, would silver braze on a nice fit up be a better match?--zip
Reply:isn't putting a ball bearing in sand kinda brutal ?
Reply:MG600 is a 312 filler rod and has the most elongation of any filler. Something like 26%. Also a tensile of around 180,000!Unfortunately its like $44.00/lb at airgas!Lincolin Power Wave 450, Lincoln Powermig 255, Lincoln Pro Mig 140, Lincoln Squarewave Tig 275, Miller Big 40 G(with Hobart Hefty suitcase), Thermal Arc 95S and Esab PCM875 in an already full machine shop.