Weld Shrink?

Question

Hi All,I am welding 4 inch .065" wall 316ss tubing for side pipes on a car. Theidea is to butt weld the tubing, finish (grind) and then polish the welds sothat they don't show at all. No matter what I try I always get a small areanext to the bead that is lower than the surrounding metal. If I fill that Iget a new low spot next to the fill. The low area is only about 10 thou.deep but if I grind that much away it shows after polishing. I am using my250 Syncrowave set as about 35 or 40A, 15CFH Argon, 3/32 electrode and 1/16filler rod. Any suggestions would be appreciated.Bruce

Ernie Leimkuhler · Accepted Answer

Go to a smaller filler rod so you can make a smaller bead, like 0.045", or 0.035". Also make sure you are staying in line with the bead with torch and filler.

1/16" filler is too big for 1/16" stainless, you will get lumpy big welds.

dogalone · Answer

would .040 or at least 1/16th tungsten be of value, along with the thinnerrod?

Bruce Boyd · Answer

Thanks, ErnieI'll try that.Bruce

Harpman · Answer

Maybe .040 2% tungsten with a .035 filler?

Ernie Leimkuhler · Answer

It can't hurt, but as long as your tungsten is ground to the proper point the size won't matter much until you get to much thinner material.

0.040" tungstens are a pain to work with. Too damn thin when handled in 7" lengths. I have a micro torch that uses them in 1" lengths.

I also have 0.020" tungstens. They break into bits if you look at them wrong.

dogalone · Answer

the thought here was the point (on the 3/32) wasn't ground with enoughtaper/sharp enough to allow the arc to be leaving smartly off the tip(results in a weak, wandering zone; possibly the cause of what sounded likeundercut)

Weld Shrink?

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