New to MIG

[MKP]

Hi Guys,
I'm new to mig welding. I just upgraded the lincoln wirefeed that I got in highschool to a Millermatic 135. I'm looking at building some stainless steel handrails and other various pieces for my boat.
I will be welding 1" tube with a 0.065" wall thickness. Seems like most pros use TIG. Can 0.065" stainless be welded satisfactorily with a MIG? Any advice? How do I remove heat discoloration? The tube has a mirror finish, can I match the weld finish? If so how?
Anyone have any experience and/or advice on bending 1" stainless?
Thanks in advance,
Mike

[Miller Kevin]

MKP,

Yes, you can get good results on stainless steel using the MIG process. I would suggest using either .030 or .023 stainless steel wire with a stainless tri-mix sheilding gas. As for the dis-coloration this can be sanded and/or buffed out.

If you have more questions on the welding of stainless steel please give Gary a call Monday at (920) 831-4895 and he can go into more detail with you.

I have never been involved with bending stainless steel tubing so I can't be of any help there.

Kevin

[MKP]

Thanks Kevin

[calplus]

Standard process for this application is to closely mitre or cope the tube to a precise fit and then autogeneous weld the tubes (no filler). This provides a smooth finish that can be buffed to a high luster that matches the parent material. The discoloration can be sanded with 400 grit before buffing to speed the process. Other alternatives are to use a hand held passivator system (such as SURFOX) to remove discoloration before buffing. MIG for this application will require some grinding and sanding to prepare the weld before buffing for a good color match.

In my shop I use a Hossfeld bender for this application and sand and buff the bendss to remove any scratches left from the bending operation,

[HelgothJ]

Welcome to mig, that was the first form of welding I learned, freshman year in H.S. when I started, I just practiced all the time and got better, the next year I decided to make a welding project and made a big work cart for my dad as a present. made outa 1" tubing, 16 g aluminum, some rebar, and yes, I did put some electrics on it (thats a standard for any project I successfully cranked outa the shop) if I had a camera id post pics. but none the less just weld, get better, read the welding library, take advice from better welders, you can get good doin that, and thats how I got my job at wisdoms.