Stainless tig ?

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I have a background mostly in MS and aluminum.  The stainless work has been primarily in kitchen type equipment and sheetmetal.  So the finish was always ground smooth and polished.  My question is this; why is it all my welds come out looking muddy and undefined with stainless, unlike you get with alum. and MS?  304 base material, 308 filler, 100% AR, 98% thor. tungsten.  Need I post a picture?  The best description would be a slurry, undefined and one long pool with a few ripples.  Again, I am an experienced welder, just alittle baffled as to the above info.Last edited by brandon75173; 05-09-2007 at 01:12 PM.Lots of toys.
Reply:Yes, a photo would help.If the SS is clean, the inert shielding is good, and the current is not too high, the SS TIG weld should look smooth, shiny silver/slight gold.Ripples in the weld can come from torch oscillation, wire filler dipping, and pulsing the current.From you description, "muddy and undefined", I would guess that the inert shielding is inadequate, possibly related to welding too hot, too long of an arc length, leaks in the gas supply lines/flowmeter, or gas flow rate too high.I would try making a small cold weld without adding filler, maybe even just a stationary spot weld, and see if it comes out clean and shiny.  If it does,then your gas is good, and you can trouble shoot the hotter traveling weld from there.
Reply:Good reply.  Shielding gas is about 15, basically where I keep it.  I will play with the heat, that may be, since I like to burn most work hot and fast.  Not oscillation or arc length for sure.  ThanksLots of toys.
Reply:Originally Posted by brandon75173I like to burn most work hot and fast.