Which migwire

[Tony Goodson]

Because I only weld every now and then I have taken to leaving a reel of stainless wire on my Mig [it doesn't rust ] Am I losing much strength when I weld mild steel with this or is it OK albeit more expensive?

 

[RapidResponse]

Wont really hurt. But gas is wrong if you are using co2 argon mixes. The weld will be very oxidised and it will corrode just like steel would.

 

[Tony Goodson]

Thanks for the reply,I won't use it when I start on the space capsule then.

 

[malcolm]

I'd have a slightly different take - with dissimilar metals you tend to get problems with corrosion and fatigue in the long term, so generally it's best avoided. The chromium in stainless can suck carbon from the shielding gas or the mild steel and become a bit brittle, and I've half a feeling the mild steel will also have a tendency to rust close to the weld, but haven't looked it up to check. Also stainless wire is more fiddly to use.

I'd use quality mild steel wire remove the wire from the welder and keep it in the house between uses.

 

[Tony Goodson]

I'd have a slightly different take - with dissimilar metals you tend to get problems with corrosion and fatigue in the long term, so generally it's best avoided. The chromium in stainless can suck carbon from the shielding gas or the mild steel and become a bit brittle, and I've half a feeling the mild steel will also have a tendency to rust close to the weld, but haven't looked it up to check. Also stainless wire is more fiddly to use.

I'd use quality mild steel wire remove the wire from the welder and keep it in the house between uses.

Thankyou for taking the time to reply to my question