Stainless Steel Stick Welding?

[Oxide00]

Hi, has anyone used stainless steel electrodes for welding on the job? I found some 309 electrodes last night at school and welded on some stainless steel pipe with them. I'm just wondering if anyone has used them on the job and what they used them for?

[geezer]

309 is made for 309 stainless, 308 will weld any stainless from 301 to 308 and 310-16 will weld 309, haven't used 309 myself

[Oxide00]

One thing that you can be sure off is that the slag flies when you chip it off!! Caught one of my classmates in the face with a piece of slag!!

[geezer]

Using a small fan to keep the fumes away from you would be a good idea when working on stainless, there are many things that make up stainless steel not all of them are good for you.

[Wookie]

On the job I have used it on pipe geezer pretty much covered what works with what

[Oxide00]

You mean hexavalent chromium?

[Oxide00]

Here are a couple of pics

[Oxide00]

[performance]

I am surprised you aren't REQUIRED to weld with 309 or 309L. Its used in the pipe industry where high wear joints occur. In the local training schools, its a requisite to pass all 4 positions. Its used to join mild steel.

[Oxide00]

Hmmm........At my school its only TIG on stainless ( I recently passed 6G TIG!!) Thanks for the replies. I'll be sure to post some vids and pics from pipe fitting class!

[welderdude]

I have used some 309 3/32 rods. You really have to watch how much amperage you use because they get hot very quick. they are awesome for joining 304 stainless to mild steel.

[worntorn]

One thing to avoid with all stick welds, but especially with Stainless is looking close up at the finished weld with the shield raised. I have gotten away with this for years with mild steel and other welds but nearly lost an eye a few years ago with a stainless weld.

As the stainless weld cools tiny bits of the slag will become sharp edged projectiles just from the shrinkage that occurs. If your unprotected open eyeball is in the path of one of these little super heated meteorites, you will have a problem. I know I certainly did.

From your avatar it looks like you have this covered, I see a set of safety goggles in use there. Good going, I wish I had been wearing those at the time.

Glen

[Ray]

Hmmm........At my school its only TIG on stainless ( I recently passed 6G TIG!!) Thanks for the replies. I'll be sure to post some vids and pics from pipe fitting class!

Hats off to you Oxide00,

The 6G is a bear, some of us can appreciate what that takes to pass.

Congratulations are in order. Attachment 1783

[Oxide00]

Thanks a lot guys. P.S. (That slag sure can fly I recently had a piece land in my mouth!!)