Stainless filler on mild steel? Ok?

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Just wondering if there are any issues with using stainless filler on mild steel or galvanized for that matter.  I have a bunch of SS filler that came with machines I bought.  If I can use it on galvanized then would the whole joint be more rust resistant?Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:On galvanized, you are screwed, that stuff don't like TIG, and the HAZ is not going be protected by zinc or stainless, so no benefit there. I use stainless from time to time on carbon, I took a welding test that way once. I don't think there is any reason not to for most applications. Only shortcomings I know of are it wont weld open gaps without backpurge (mild is more tolerant) and if you get it too hot it will break down (carbide precipitate).Constant Current Weldor.
Reply:once you light up on galvy it boils and fumes off and is gone.  The stainless will not make the joint rustproof.  it will alloy the joint and can be used for some things, but for most things, it isn't advised.  I had some old stainless rods that the number electrode number was illegible on, that i played with on mild with.  I think it was 316; it laid some beautiful welds.
Reply:soutthpaw  -  Don't waste expensive filler on junk metal  -  Opus
Reply:Seems I remember a discussion back yonder about some who would lay a stainless pass in their joint to help pass some xray tests.  some believed it helped other s seemed to think it hurt.  the consensus was that the stainless obscured the xray thus giving the test a false read.  I can't remember where I was reading about that at.  I think it was over on aws.  I know some oldtimers use to talk about using it for troubled joints.  other than that I can't remember.  I hate to bring it up really, because someone might think it is ok and will end up welding stainless on mild steel with a $99 HF welder on a gooseneck down tube and wonder why his trailer has left the vehicle.
Reply:Originally Posted by Scott YoungSeems I remember a discussion back yonder about some who would lay a stainless pass in their joint to help pass some xray tests.  some believed it helped other s seemed to think it hurt.  the consensus was that the stainless obscured the xray thus giving the test a false read.  I can't remember where I was reading about that at.  I think it was over on aws.  I know some oldtimers use to talk about using it for troubled joints.  other than that I can't remember.  I hate to bring it up really, because someone might think it is ok and will end up welding stainless on mild steel with a $99 HF welder on a gooseneck down tube and wonder why his trailer has left the vehicle.
Reply:I was going to ask this same question. I hope you don't mind me joining your thread like this, if so, let me know and I will start another. I have two rolls of GMAW SS wire, and I doubt they would sell, so I was going to see if I can just use them on mild steel. Even if it's for patching dumpsters, if you won't get a structurally sound weld on regular projects."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Originally Posted by DavidbrownThis seems a bit unlikely to me... I only say that because I have seen allot of stainless get X-rayed, and if it did not x-ray well, then why would they do it? I have seen a whole batch of failures, so I know a pretty cap won't hide a sin. Maybe machines calibrated for carbon read different for SS? It makes pretty beads, and is more viscous in the puddle than mild. It makes very tenacious tacks, that you can bend again & again. It also makes tacks eded. So if you need some fancy welds on your welding cart to show off, adjustable tacks, or a weld that needs to pull a corner back into square, SS filler is a gre& welds that shrink with more power than mild filler, so you can use it to pull things if neat choice, and not a waste.It does keep really well, so hurry finding a use for it all at once!
Reply:that's useful info about SS making bendable tacks.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I worked for a semi conductor company years ago and when I left they were cleaning out some storage containers and they gave me 100 lbs of assorted tig fillers mostly 308 stainless.......I still use it now and then but it does work on mild steel just fine....I have used it for tacking up weld fixtures and all kinds of stuff......The 309 is a good stainless to keep around for welding indifferent metals it seems to work good..  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock