10 mm on 2 mm 304

[Ami]

Hi all,
I'm curently working on an oil tank for a steering system, the tank itself is 2 mm and fixturs rang between 3.5 to 10 mm 304. I welded the tank before assembling the fixturs, which were assembled by someone else MIG tacked with a fagersta wire (used mostly for armored plate) which needs a lot more heat, efectively stopping my puddle. Any idea how to overcome that? I grind the tacks before welding but there's good penetration. Qustion 2, there a lot of places I cant walk the cup so I have to freehand 10 mm to 2. What kind of amprage would you sugest?
Thanx.

 

[Richard.]

Hit it at high current ensuring your arc and puddle is solely on the 10mm then add some filler to reinforce the puddle. Then encourage the reinforced puddle to wet onto the 2mm. Keep the arc well on to the 10mm Throughout the whole weld with plenty of current. (150 ish ) add the filler and allow it to wet onto the 2mm. It's tricky but with practice you'll get there. Another good reason to keep the heat out of the 2mm dispite burn through is distorting. Stainless has very low and localised heat conducting properties and its this very reason it distorts easily. Good luck.

 

[Ami]

I'll try that! I've been trying to sustain a puddle on both, mostly on the 10 mm at around 115.

 

[Ami]

Pic 1, 105 amps trying to sustain a pool on both, pic 2, 140 amps mostly on the ten mm. Thanx Richard.

 

[Richard.]

Any time mate.
Looks a nice job you done there.