phil wrote:

Hello Guys,

I have a flex pipe that needs to be shortened by a 1/4". Can I use

mild

steel filler rod or should I go buy some SS? I'll *assume* I can

gas

weld SS...right?

Thanks

Phil Williamson

One word. FLUX.  When torch welding either Aluminum, Stainless or

Inconel

using the right flux is the only way to go.  I have watched Kent White

DO

some interesting things at Osh.  Here is the welding supply link.  I

receive

no compensation for this.
http://www.tinmantech.com/html/stainless_steel_welding_suppli.html

Rick Bunnell
cvp@iowatelecom.net

 Thank you Rick! :)

  I had never welded Stainless before. I started, went about 1/4" and
came to a halt REAL fast. It looked UGLY! :)

 Phil Williamson

After several years of looking, I bought a Henrob torch at Sun 'n Fun. This
is the small-output torch that can handle very thin to reasonably thick
metal.  I was impressed by the results of Henrob's very-talented welders.

With the video and a little practice, I have been able to get very nice,
strong welds in stainless 304/316.  Henrob doesn't recommend flux for
stainless -- just aluminum.  My welds were ugly at first, but as soon as
you learn to control the flame and flow of metal, they become very nice.
There is nothing wrong with a strong, but ugly weld.  For stainless, you
don't want to use a neutral or oxidizing flame, as it needs a relatively
oxygen-free environment. Overall, stainless is very amenable to gas welding
without flux, but I can't say that a flux might not make it even better.

Stainless always turns dark, especially when using the appropriate
carburizing flame.  A temporary ugly.  This comes off with bead-blasting,
sanding or polishing.   Steel is also pretty easy with this torch up to
3/8" thick or so.  Aluminum is much harder to gas-weld, depending on the
alloy and its thickness.  I've destroyed a number of practice aluminum
pieces trying to get it right.  Aluminum like 6061 is also weakened
considerably by welding, so critical parts need heat-treating.

Scott Gettings

 
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