Mig welding stainless

[Copperdog]

Is there a quick way to determine what stainless welding wire to use. I have a project in the future and see there is 308, 309, 312 and many more wires. How do I determine what I need?

[aametalmaster]

What grade SS are you going to be using???...Bob
http://www.crownalloys.com/technical.php Scroll down to SS aloys

[Showdog75]

Is there a quick way to determine what stainless welding wire to use. I have a project in the future and see there is 308, 309, 312 and many more wires. How do I determine what I need?

It would help if you told us what kind of stainless you plan to weld on.

[Copperdog]

Its a bumper on a truck trailer, how do I determine what type of stainless it is?

[JonnyTIG]

A magnet test will get you into the ball park, but other than that, I can't offer too much. I know most of the show/automotive stuff I encounter is 304, but some times it's a different grade. A lesser grade of SS can be welded with a higher grade filler for many applications. The 400's tend to rust, and are usually magnetic. If the base metal is non-magnetic, I would use 308 or 316.

Make sure it's SS and not chromed steel.