unknown stainless -- wire recommendation?

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I've been asked to repair a stainless part off a small boat.  I haven't seen it yet but it's described as some sort of 16 gauge stainless bracket that holds something up (maybe the tiller -- I couldn't catch every word the guy was saying at the time) when the boat is at the dock.  I know it's been welded before because the complaint is the original welds failed.Don't have any way to find out what it's made of and have no experience welding stainless.I've done a search and seems to be conflicting recomendations when welding unknown stainless.  Since this is off a boat, I was hoping somebody might have a solid guess as to what type stainless it must be made of or what would work best even not knowing for sure.The plan is to TIG it but what filler wire?For gas, I assume straight argon would work same as for steel?Thanks for any help.
Reply:Straight argon for gas..If you are not sure of what grade stainless then use 309..Clean the crap out of it!!!Clean the crap out of it!!!Clean the crap out of it!!!Stainless is the easiest material to weld..If you can do steel..You can do Stainless......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Thanks for the quick reply.  I'll pick up some 309 1/16" wire and give it a go.  In thinking ahead, I did ask if he had some scrap of the same material (whatever it is) and he said he did and would bring it for some test welds (I confessed my lack of experience and said we'd do some test welds and if he was OK with them, we'd go forward on the actual part -- I think he's having trouble finding somebody to do it so I got lucky and he is willing to be the pilgrim  ).PS: should I clean it real well?  I plan to run a fine flap disk (220 grit) over it and then acetone.  Anything more I should be doing?Thanks again.
Reply:Just make sure you have good solid clean material and go for it!!Should be rather easy.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Thanks!I guess I'm off to the races.
Reply:Hey phila,I also work on a lot of SS unknown grade, from a friend's company who buys scrap for their re-manufacturing foundry. I use 308L for general use and if added strength is required, 312 is the best. I have never had an issue with these two grades of wire. Just wanted to pass on some additional thought to consider....DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:generally speaking 316 ss is used around marine environments, but if you're not sure go with 308l or 309l
Reply:Ruh roh.Does it make any big difference between the three different fillers?  Should I get some of all three and try it?  Just stick to the 309?Questions from the land of confusion.  I also just ordered a new TIG welder off ebay    One of those Chinese made "4 in one."  Sold some surveying equip I don't use anymore in construction (couldn't wait for the b'day so out with the old and in with the new).  Can't wait to try it out on this one.
Reply:If your not sure of the base material..309 is the best choice..4 in one... hmmmmPost pics!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:309 it is.When the new machine comes in I'll be posting pics -- just try to stop me.