TIG SS weld bead colour examples/pics

admin

Hi everyone, I hear a lot of people asking questions about TIG weld bead colours on 1.5mm (or 16 gauge, I think?) SS tube.  THIS IS NOT A DIG AT ANYONE, as I'm genuinely interested, and I (and I'm sure others) would like to see some examples of chrome/straw coloured full penetration beads with filler on either 304 or 316l SS tube (obviously with purge).The only rules that I'd like to make, to keep it more about technique than machine, are that the welds are completed in 2 beads (one side, then the other) on tube with an ID of less than 80mm, using a basic tig set up (with gas lens if you like), no trailing cups, no pulse, no orbital machines etc... I wont post any pics, as admittedly the best that I can do is copper/purple, but would really love to see other peoples efforts.All the best!
Reply:I'll set the record straight if you're trying to do a full pen, single pass weld on 16 ga.  you WONT be getting a silver color bead without some additional trailing. And of course you'll need backing gas or solid backing.18ga and above can be done this way, but I've never seen it accomplished below 16 ga. anything thicker and you start needing some chamfer or a backing or multi pass to get full penetration with hand welding.I have  plenty of pictures unfortunately i would be finding a new job if I posted anything.
Reply:Just went through this myself and couldn't get pull pen on the color everyone wants to see. Now, I did talk to my bender, explained every thing and he thinks it could be that I was running air cooled torch. Only reason he said that was his 2 week old dynasty had a water cooler problem and no one could weld without getting the deep purple and darker colors not even him. Once they figured out the problem, Miller fixed the machine, and they went back to the lighter colors. I just got my cooler today ao I plan to experiment sometime soon. Seems very strange to me but he welds WAAAAYYY more SS than I do, and he can get that color. Now I have not seen inside though to know if he's getting full pen. It looks nice for sure. On some of the butting, you can see a salmon color, but dunno how much penetration.http://www.mandrel-bends.com/private/private1.jpghttp://www.mandrel-bends.com/private/private2.jpg
Reply:well just so happens i was welding this pipe into this bowl last night. it was backpurged on second weld. i welded the inside first without purging by lightly stich welding the inside until i had it completly done. then purged the backside while i welded this bead around. it has the rainbow colors but it will be ground and polished tonight. food grade container that has to have a #2 finish overall which is 120grit or better. Attached Images
Reply:I guess I've got my answer, thanks for that Metarinka, I can stop pulling my hair out now! Nice foto Bowman! Do you have to grinds the welds? or would passivating them with acid be an option?Any more SS  TIG fotos people?
Reply:Originally Posted by Baila La PinzaI guess I've got my answer, thanks for that Metarinka, I can stop pulling my hair out now! Nice foto Bowman! Do you have to grinds the welds? or would passivating them with acid be an option?Any more SS  TIG fotos people?
Reply:Originally Posted by Baila La PinzaI guess I've got my answer, thanks for that Metarinka, I can stop pulling my hair out now! Nice foto Bowman! Do you have to grinds the welds? or would passivating them with acid be an option?Any more SS  TIG fotos people?