Welding Stainless Steel

[jims-terrano]

What I know or at least understand so far is that ordinary mild steel mig welding wire with co2 & 5% argon will weld stainless although obviously the weld will be prone to corrosion.
Can I use stainless wire with my current basic mig welder using my current gas mix so that I can make a little project and it will be strong and resistant to corrosion.

Thanks

[solarman216]

Yes you can no problem, but the weld will probably turn out black, but will clean up if you are fussy with a wire brush in a drill, Rick

[jims-terrano]

Cheers Rick, a future project and means I can get rid of more kit from my garage :thumbs

[Wallace]

Is it a big job Jim? I have a Tig set and 316 rods.

[jims-terrano]

Not right big, a few bits of angle and a section of tube. Want to make a drive on stand to hold a portable mast for my ham radio kit.
They can be made out of mild steel but I’ve seen so many rust despite being painted and as I’ll be sticking it in the car I’d rather not have a rusty bit of metal in there.

[Wallace]

Does it need to be stainless, would alloy work?

[jims-terrano]

Actually it would probably be better in some ways as it would be lighter just not considered it before.

[Wallace]

I had a look online at pre-made stands, they don’t look difficult to make. Do you have the stainless to make it from?

[jims-terrano]

No I was just going to nip up to metal supermarket when I had the time, no urgency at the moment.

[Wallace]

Have a look at a few designs and I will see what materials I have or are laying about at work. :thumb2

[jims-terrano]

I have a friend with one so I’ll nip across to see him and take some measurements.