Putting together some parts for a commercial work boat. The material is 304 stainless. I am putting sch 40 stainless pipe 2.5 ID to the 1/4" stainless plate. I have 3/32 red tungsten and 3/32 308 filler wire. I am looking for a ball park amperage, these welding calculators are talking upwards of 200 amps. My machine max s out at 200 amps.
You won’t need that much, not by a long shot.
The “rule of thumb” of 1amp/0.001 is voided with Stainless and Aluminum. Stainless required much less, aluminum much more.
I use about 65-70% for stainless, but really dial it in once I get the torch and puddle running. Position, joint, application… all play a key part in amperage used.
The “rule of thumb” of 1amp/0.001 is voided with Stainless and Aluminum. Stainless required much less, aluminum much more.
I use about 65-70% for stainless, but really dial it in once I get the torch and puddle running. Position, joint, application… all play a key part in amperage used.
If it's a tig fillet weld you're talking about and you want a decent single pass, 160amp will get you there. Use a big cup to stop greying out at those hi amps. You'll have a fast travel speed too.
Flat out like a lizard drinkin'
you sure?
6.4mm ??
my miller calc says over 250 amps for single pass.
edit: sch 40 stainless pipe 2.5 ID, ~5mm, calc says 175-225 amps for fillet weld.
still should be possible with 200 amp machine.
tweak it until it breaks
It won’t take anything more than 175 amps. I have done plenty of Sch 40 stainless. A couple of things to bear in mind- is there a bevel on the end of the pipe where it joins? Sch 40 stainless has a wall thickness of about 0.203, and at 70-80% of the rule of thumb, you’re right in the wheelhouse of 160 amps.
Even though he has a 200 amp machine, duty cycle might be an issue, but I have never hit it with TIG welding because of all the stop-starts.
A #8 cup, especially if you can walk the cup. Otherwise, I’d be up at a #10-#12 and flowing argon at 25-30cfh.