Hey, New to welding- curious about flux-core stainless with my mig welder

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Hey guys, I am relatively new to welding, but I have found that I like it a lot.  I have been practicing on mild steel mainly and some stainless.  I have done mostly 75% 25% argon/co2 with .30 mig wire, but I have found that I actually getter a nicer looking weld from the  flux-core mild steel wire.  I don't know why. I get a good weld from both (in terms of penetration), but in terms of looks, it just looks nicer.Anyway, I have used the mild steel flux-core wire to weld mild steel to stainless and it seems to work pretty well.  My question is, If i am doing some SS welding (Gasless), could I use standard mild steel flux-core, or do i NEED stainless flux-core wire?Thanks guys, -Steve
Reply:You can use mild steel wire to weld stainless, but you lose the stainless (rust resistant) properties, as well as other properties of the stainless.   If all you're doing is practicing welding on some scrap and stainless scrap is what you happen to have available and mild steel mig wire and 75/25 gas or mild steel fluxcore wire is what you happen to have available, then practice on it.  Some practicing is better than no practicing.Last edited by DesertRider33; 01-13-2009 at 11:22 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:it would be better to practice using stainless wire with carbon test plates. not a bad idea to wear a simple dust mask while running stainless wire. stuff makes your thought itchy