Whats the best stainless filler for unknown stainless

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I have so far been welding mild or carbon scrap.As it is scrap rarely is it identified. Recently ive gotten alot of stainless. Is there a grade of wire i can use that will work with most stainless.
Reply:First you need to see if it is magnetic. There are different rods for different results.If it "isnt" magnetic, then a 312 is a good general alloy, but not the best for all around.You probably just have standard 304 or 316 alloy. You can use 308 on it, it just wont have the chemical resistance of 316. Or just use 316Also, you can do a spark test after the mag test. Thay will get you closer to your alloy.
Reply:

Originally Posted by ScrapartWI

I have so far been welding mild or carbon scrap.As it is scrap rarely is it identified. Recently ive gotten alot of stainless. Is there a grade of wire i can use that will work with most stainless.
Reply:309 or 312 are both good for joining dissimilar metals like mild steel to stainless, etc.Miller Multimatic 255
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Originally Posted by Oldiron2

Sometimes a good idea of the type of alloy can be determined from what the material came from or had been used for; as stated above, some basic tests will help with that, and there are probably a few others including hardness or ductility that might help.The answer for what is best partly depends partly on the intended use of the item. As often, more details can be very helpful.
Reply:316 should cover it all I recon. No need to go to the expense of 309/312.
Reply:I have a secret stash of Hastelloy W when I don't know anything about the composition...


Reply:

Originally Posted by BaTu

I have a secret stash of Hastelloy W when I don't know anything about the composition...