How to Arc Weld Stainless Steel

Welding is a crucial aspect of metal work. Normally welding is done by professionals, and commoners like you and me, are hardly acquainted with welding - except for the sparks which can be seen when the welding work is going on. But then, knowing about welding can be pretty much useful, even if you do not need to do it all the time. For two reasons - you can save quite a bit of money if you can do it yourselves as getting that work done by a professional will be really costly. The other reason is that even if you get someone to do welding, you can always keep tabs on what is going on and how is he doing it. Care to know about how to arc weld stainless steel? Here goes!

Arc Welding Stainless Steel

Basically, there are 4 types when you talk of arc welding stainless steel. SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding or Stick Electrode, GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or Tig Welding, FCAW - Flux Cored Arc Welding or Mig Welding, and GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding or Mig Welding.

SMAW: In this type of electric arc welding, heat for welding is created with the help of an electric arc between a covered metal electrode and the base metal.

GTAW: GTAW or TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is a considerably easy process and can be done on several types of metals. Again an electric welding process, here the heat needed for welding is generated by an electric arc between the end of a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the base metal. As per TIG welding basics, for shielding the arc, an inert shielding gas is used.

GMAW: This works on heavy plates as well as thin gauge metals. It hardly needs any post welding cleaning. In this process heat is generated by an arc between a continuously fed filler metal electrode and the base metal.

FCAW: In this type of welding also called MIG welding, flux is present within the electrode for providing shielding, arc stabilization and deoxidization. 100% CO2 or Argon/CO2 are the gases used in mig welding stainless steel.

Now let's get down to business and take a look at the actual process.

The Process of Arc Welding

First we got to know what all is needed for welding. SMAW, GTAW or GMAW welder, welding helmet, leather gloves, pliers, welding hammer or pick, wire brush and other safety gear. For arc welding stainless steel to mild steel, safety glasses or goggles will also be needed.

Weld #1
Now after you have gathered all the things required, you will have to first plug your welder in a 220 volt outlet and after that plug it in the ground cord. Along with this, do not forget to the connect welder electrode holder cord in the welder.

Weld #2
Now as welding is a specialized task and not a routine task, a specific electrode is needed. It will require an AWS E308 stick electrode stainless steel welding. After you get the electrode, prior to welding make sure that the surface which has to be welded is clean. It can be cleaned with the help of a wire brush.

Weld #3
The next thing to do is to clamp the grounding cord from the welder on the piece to be welded. Then place the electrode in the electrode holder and position it near the place where the welding will start. Amongst arc welding tips, one of the most important is to wear your safety gear once you gather the things required and before you begin.

Weld #4
The above step done, tap the electrode on the steel, till an arc is struck by it and then start weaving the electrode stick from one side to another. While doing this, it is essential to remember that the arc has to be kept half centimeter or less from the welding piece concerned.

Weld #5
Finally, let the weld cool down for a minute or so. Use the welding hammer, later on for chipping off the slag developed on the top as a result of welding.

That was the process involved in arc welding stainless steel. Please make sure you have all that is needed for your safety - gloves, glasses and overalls. Welding basics say that touching live electrical parts can be dangerous so avoiding that will be advisable.

Finally, understand and check out the user manual for any doubts pertaining to the process. I sign off here for now. Take Care!