Welding stainless mesh to mild steel?

[dobbslc]

I've got to repair the spark guard on my log burner as the old one fell to bits...
I've got some stainless steel mesh and it's a thick steel plate it's going on. I have a GYS 140A MIG welder on gas , are there any tips for doing this before I melt everything???

 

[hotponyshoes]

Cut the mesh over size.
Cut some mild steel strips and drill some holes in them.
Hold the strips over the mesh and spot weld through the holes.
As the weld cools they will pull up tight and hold the mesh in place.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Or you could probably just tack the stainless directly to the mild and it will be fine for that job anyway.

 

[dobbslc]

The original was tacked directly but I'm not sure it's that easy to do.

 

[Paul.]

Its will be no different to welding steel to steel, just make sure the mesh is tight to the frame turn the power up a bit and aim slightly more towards the thicker section than the thinner, quick one second burst is all you need,

 

[Munkul]

Or you could probably just tack the stainless directly to the mild and it will be fine for that job anyway.

+1

it's as easy as MIGing mild steel, use normal steel filler wire. In warm and dry conditions, mild to stainless isn't really important.

 

[dobbslc]

Ok I'll have a go on it when I get some time and when the missus can leave the bloody thing off to cool for a few hours.....

 

[dobbslc]

Well I've had a go......
I just held the mesh down with a weight and buzzed it with the mig in spot welds.
Some welds were pretty good but others burnt through the mesh.

That was one of the good ones!
But I now have a functioning spark guard and saved £50.