316 SS tube on a MIG ?

[mi3gto]

Folks what is required for to weld 316 stainless steel tube on a MIG (and can it be done with good effect, TIG is out for now). Gas, wire etc. Practice on the steel is not a problem. How good a finish can be expected in that I want to polish the tube up after. Cleaning or prep-treatment. It is for a A frame on a RIB but will not be expected to be used for towing a skier. Why not send it out for welding? I am stubborn old fart.

George

 

[Hitch]

If its going to be polished out, i cant see a problem, except it will take a fair bit more polishing

Have a read of this page, if you havn't already.

Chart on there for filler wires, and also tells what gas.

As it is going to be in a marine environment, you need to eliminate contamination too, so be careful about your bench, how it earths out etc..... or you will have rust spots all over it.

 

[julieanncharters]

Folks what is required for to weld 316 stainless steel tube on a MIG (and can it be done with good effect, TIG is out for now). Gas, wire etc. Practice on the steel is not a problem. How good a finish can be expected in that I want to polish the tube up after. Cleaning or prep-treatment. It is for a A frame on a RIB but will not be expected to be used for towing a skier. Why not send it out for welding? I am stubborn old fart.

George

from what i've seen finish will be **** on mig especially on thin stuff .
if its a rib a frame take it you'll be looking at 1.6-2mm side wall.
tig is the way to go without a doubt.