Stainless Steel Q

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Hi,I'm new to the site and welding, I'm trying to weld 3/16" thick Stainless Steel 304 tube and plate. I have here some almig from Air liquide (AR/O2/CO) and some Mig ER316L. And i think my new power mig 180C is not strong enough, voltage to max i can only melt the wire and cannot melt the SS for good penetration. I think with my current gas and wire i would need more amp output. Should i just get myself .035 304 flux wire? I've done a 1/4" skidplate using the flux wire  that comes with the power mig successfuly.The goal here is built some sliders for my offroad truck. My bumpers were done in SS so thats the reason i'd like to do the sliders in SS also.BTW, i've clean grinded the steel before trying to weld with a grinding wheel only for SS.Thanks for the help!
Reply:304 .035 wire and argon/co2 98/2% should helpChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:Thanks will try that
Reply:You should be able to get enough amperage out of your machine to do 3/16 stainless.. Try setting the wire feed speed at 250 inches per minute. (squeeze trigger and let wire run for 15 seconds, measure the length and multiply by 4 to find the inches per minute and adjust as necessary). Keep the distance between the contact tip and work short(approx 3/8 inch). Set the voltage to its lowest setting. The wire will stub or jam into the workpiece. Keep turning the voltage setting up until you get a balanced arc and your welding should be OK. If you still feel that you are not getting enough penetration vee out the joint with a grinder.  There is very little difference between the 316L and the 304L. The 316L is essentially a 304L type wire with 2-3%Molybdenum.
Reply:Dont forget that your wire feed is linked to your amps. Basically set the wire feed/amps high enough to melt the metal then trim your arc with the voltage settingsRegards from sunny Cornwall__________________www.iancarey.co.uk
Reply:Is this your first time using solid wire with this welder? If so, you have to change the polarity. I've welded stainless with my SP-170T, so you shouldn't have any trouble. -----john
Reply:Make sure your polarity is correct, make sure your metal is clean - grinding is not enough with SS, clean with Acetone or similar chemical. Your machine will do 3/16 SS, just gotta give it the right combo.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Originally Posted by jptechIs this your first time using solid wire with this welder? If so, you have to change the polarity. I've welded stainless with my SP-170T, so you shouldn't have any trouble. -----john