Newbe would like to aska question...

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Good Afternoon everybody,I would like to ask a question concerning a SS project I have started. I have read many articles but I am just getting more confused, so I figure I would just ask the question with all of the details.I have started constructing a Stainless Steel Pizza Oven for my patio. I live in Florida, so lots of rain, humidity and salt in the air. For my build, I bought 2 18ga SS sheets (4 by 10 feet), at a surplus store, so I am not sure the grade of the stainless, but I have tried using a magnet and it does not stick, nor it tries to, so I am assuming it is a low ferrous grade (first problem, assuming..).I have no experience welding, other then playing with an Arc welder as a kid, but I would love to do the welding myself rather then farming the project. To complete the oven, some parts need to be welded, some can be bolted, but I would rather do all of the construction welding.The welder that I am looking for is a 110V, 125-140A, either Miller, Eastwood or Lincoln, preferably one with infinite volt setting, since I am going to be using a thin gauge. Is it realistically possible for someone with no experience to achieve those welds? Is the thinness going to require TIG welding instead of MIG? I was thinking of renting the gas, is it possible to rent a tri gas mix? If not, would any single gas allow for the process to take place?Thank you in advance for any suggestions,Manuel
Reply:unless your welded areas require a "Cosmetic" finish I would MIG weld it with TRI MIX GAS....Taking into consideration will most likely have a rust issue because of the heat and no shielding gas....As mentioned you don't know what grade the SS is .....Typically I would assume 316 L is what is used for any food prep. projects?   Go for it, if you can mig weld just stick it together so it won't fall apart.....Its in your yard so you wont have to worry about inspections.....    Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Should be able to MIG it, Tri-mix is not necessary. Hopefully someone other than me will come along with some more in depth answers. I can tell ya everything you wanna know about TIG and SS, but my SS MIG experience is probably about 100' total. The learning curve on MIG aint bad, and I commend you for starting off on a non structual/critical project, rather than "I got a 110v Horror Fright Flux core mig, Can I build a SS frame for my jeep"....... Edit: Solar Flux B is your friend on this project.Miller Big 40GMiller HF-251 D High FreqVictor OA Lincoln 135 MigMK 3A CobramaticBridgeport J HeadCronatron OxylanceRadnor ACAG TorchWeldcraft TIG Torches1 blown knee and two 5 Gallon pails away from being a hero.
Reply:Yes Gary is correct TRI MIX isn't necessary.....The welds won't be show car SS  especially with that welder your getting ( No post flow)  just weld on some scrap first so you can work out your parameters   Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Thank you B_C and Gary,The warehouse I bought the steel from had no information regarding the grade, there will be no direct contact with any food, but since the operating range of the inner shelf will be around 1200 degree F, I went with SS to limit corrosion and maybe extend the life of the oven. The welds that are necessary can be easily made so that they are not in plain sight, so some surface rust will be acceptable, I am just trying to avoid failures and having to re-do everything 6 months later....So you think that the any welder that has a setting around 25 to 35 Ampere can do the job without burning holes? Any suggestion on the wire? I was thinking on a small one (.23) to use less heath....If I don`t use the tri gas mix, 100% Argon? Or what blend would you suggest?Thanks again,Manuel