Can you spot weld stainless steel easily?

[Andrew S]

I am thinking of replacing two of the three stainless steel tabs that have broken off my exhaust tailpipe with new fabricated ones and as I have a good spot welder, was wondering if it would weld as easily as normal steel or would it be too hard a metal?

Any advice much appreciated

Andrew

[GTJones]

I am thinking of replacing two of the three stainless steel tabs that have broken off my exhaust tailpipe with new fabricated ones and as I have a good spot welder, was wondering if it would weld as easily as normal steel or would it be too hard a metal?

Any advice much appreciated

Andrew

Hi Andrew

You can spot weld stainless but you need to increase electrode pressure by about 50%, and as with all welds cleanliness is king.

Check out this link

www.jm-metaljoining.com/pdfs-uploaded/Joining%20Stainless%20Steel.pdf

Gary

[Andrew S]

Thanks Gary. Its a Clarke CW11 and I have had it for years. The readings on the side say KVA3 14A 1+1 If that means anything. If OK, I will clean the ends up until flat and shiny and then try and a spare piece.

The stainless steel that I am hoping to weld to the exhaust bracket is 1.6mm

Thanks for the attachment , interesting

Would it be a good idea to drill a hole through both pieces of metal where I am going to spot weld and then spot weld over the top, the idea being that it would improve penetration, if I can use that would on this forum?

If you or anyone cant see that this is going to spot weld OK, then I would appreciate hearing from you before I attempt it.

[V Mad]

Why spot? Do you have a mig?

[new to this]

ive been welding stainless steal to make my clutch resivor from, im using a mig with stainless steal wire and agron gas

Dave

[Andrew S]

Thanks Dave, I think I will pick up on Chris's point and buy some stainless wire and have a go as it has to be stronger. Good to hear that you have had success.
Cheers
Andrew

[new to this]

use can use standard mig wire but it with rust where use weld

Dave

[Giles]

Thanks Dave, I think I will pick up on Chris's point and buy some stainless wire and have a go as it has to be stronger. Good to hear that you have had success.
Cheers
Andrew

I do not think it will be any stronger, I would assume you can use the normal wire but the weld will rust ?

[Andrew S]

Thanks guys. When I said it would be stronger, I meant that I could apply more weld where it is needed rather than hoping my spot weld didn't break

So, if I buy stainless wire, it should give me a cleaner result.

Presume it will have to be welded at a higher amperage

[V Mad]

I always use Argolight (CO/Argon mix) gas for all my Mig welding. Not only is this OK for stainless but also good for light gauge car bodywork (cooler).

I used stainless wire when I made a stainelss header for my V6 Alpine project. I dont remember any problems in particular, just the same as welding mild steel.

[Andrew S]

Thanks Chris, will try different wire and have a go. I have argon and as you say, it helps.

Cheers
Andrew

[Bob Heritage]

Why not practice by welding the ball and chain to the kitchen sink? seems a pity to make the Stag suffer

[Andrew S]

Good point Bob. She was not that impressed when I practiced the mild steel welding!