MikeBs
Member
- Messages
- 88
- Location
- Worcester
Hi,
I have been a hobby MIG welder for a few months now, with some success and lots of failures. Started with 'Flux Core' and couldn't get on with it. Bought some gas and I doubt I will go back, I didn't like the slag and never got is looking neat.
I do stuff mainly for the garden and have repaired a few things, a gate and lawnmower, that I initially got the welder for and am happy with the results.
The horseshoes I got from a member on here have been used to make a few 'sculptures', none of which I am prepared to share pictures of at this time.
Just down the road from me is a scrap yard has supplied me with some free bits of mild steel, but they also have a fair bit of stainless steel which is not free, but also not too expensive. Its whatever they have so I can't choose sizes or thickness, however I have tried welding with this and would like to use it more for the obvious reason that it wont rust when put outside. I am still using the set up for mild steel, with 'Hobby 5' type (93% Argon, 5% Carbon Dioxide and 2% Oxygen) gas and mid steel wire, so I am aware that the welds will still rust.
My questions for the seasoned welders are:
If I get just the wire for stainless, would I still be able to use the 'Hobby 5' type gas?
If I get the wire and gas for stainless would I be able to use this for the likes of horseshoes and bits of mild steel?
Am I fighting a losing battle and need to get two types of gas and wire, then change it whenever I change material?
Also is it normal for the stainless to expand more than mild when welding or is it just my imagination?
Please bear in mind that this is not structural or used for food prep, its just a hobby, but I do prefer it to look reasonably neat.
Regards
Mike
I have been a hobby MIG welder for a few months now, with some success and lots of failures. Started with 'Flux Core' and couldn't get on with it. Bought some gas and I doubt I will go back, I didn't like the slag and never got is looking neat.
I do stuff mainly for the garden and have repaired a few things, a gate and lawnmower, that I initially got the welder for and am happy with the results.
The horseshoes I got from a member on here have been used to make a few 'sculptures', none of which I am prepared to share pictures of at this time.
Just down the road from me is a scrap yard has supplied me with some free bits of mild steel, but they also have a fair bit of stainless steel which is not free, but also not too expensive. Its whatever they have so I can't choose sizes or thickness, however I have tried welding with this and would like to use it more for the obvious reason that it wont rust when put outside. I am still using the set up for mild steel, with 'Hobby 5' type (93% Argon, 5% Carbon Dioxide and 2% Oxygen) gas and mid steel wire, so I am aware that the welds will still rust.
My questions for the seasoned welders are:
If I get just the wire for stainless, would I still be able to use the 'Hobby 5' type gas?
If I get the wire and gas for stainless would I be able to use this for the likes of horseshoes and bits of mild steel?
Am I fighting a losing battle and need to get two types of gas and wire, then change it whenever I change material?
Also is it normal for the stainless to expand more than mild when welding or is it just my imagination?
Please bear in mind that this is not structural or used for food prep, its just a hobby, but I do prefer it to look reasonably neat.
Regards
Mike