Another question!

I have been offered a quantity of 0.8mm stainless steel, together with access to a BIG metal folder.

What's the general opinion of this thickness for a tank? I've seen the Lolocost tanks and they look just as thick (just as thin?).

Any views?

David

David,

It's a bit like the old floor question really.
Sure it's strong enough, no doubt, but stiffness is the issue. You may have to add a few more ribs or baffles, but I'm sure it will be fine.
Are you good stainless welder? or do have access to one? This would be an important question IMO, as that is pretty thin for non-expert welders. TIG job I'd say for sure.

Alan,

I have a TIG (scratch start DC) that I have used to weld stainless. I actually found it easier than mild steel, as it forms a nice pool that's easy to manage (apparently due to its poor heat conductivity).

I have used it weld some shim stock about 10 thou thick - no reason for it - just to see if I could! It was quite easy using the autogenic technique... fold up the edges by roughly the thickness of the metal, clamp the folds together, then use the folded-up bit as the 'filler rod'.

I'm not bothered about the discoloration caused by the heat, as I intend to paint it anyway.

As I said before, my only concern is the thickness of the material - you're probably right about the ribs, etc. It could be more trouble than it's worth, and it may be better to pay real money and get some 1.0mm or 1.2mm sheet.

cheers,

David

David,

It doesn't sound like the welding should be any problem. You are right about the autogenous welds too, I always try to get a lip designed into parts when I automate TIG (saves a wire feeder )
Part of what I do is here if you are interested.

http://www.desicodesign.com/Arc-welding.htm

The 5th picture is a stainless TIG application.

You're right about the wire feed!

As you know, TIG requires the following actions:

1. maintain the arc length
2. work the foot pedal
3. move in the right direction
4. move at the right speed
5. feed the filler wire

My MIG is entirely manual - I can manage 4 out of the 5 quite well, but can't do all 5 together properly! At least autogeneous welds means I haven't got to worry about the filler wire.

cheers,

David

Is it possible to weld stainless with mig and stainless wire on a roll?
Nick

Yes - but I believe it's nowhere as easy as mild steel.

I haven't tried it myself, I hasten to add. Something to do with the way that SS is a poor heat conductor - you get local overheating leading to holes. I believe that you should use pure argon as well, instead of an argon/co2 mix, but don't quote me on that.

Othe people may have another view! I'm sure it's the way that most professional fabricators weld SS together.

cheers,

David

quote:

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Othe people may have another view!

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i had my dad get a mate to weld a tank by TIG out of 1mm stainless.

It was 'seam welded' along the extreme edges, that allow effectively a big area of metal for less burn though (so I guess...).

my tank is temp out of the car, so if you want a piccy of how it was done, shout and i will send or put one up.

you MIGHT just be able to see how its done on the pics in my folder in TOL....

atb

steve