how to weld stainless steel pipe with tig

Hello ruben

Please advise the following:

1. Type of Stainless Steel: 316, 304 etc.
2. Pipe diameter
3. Pipe wall thickness.
4. Are the pipes to be welded, the same size pipe?
5. Is the weld joint a pipe connection straight through, or a "Tee"?
   
6. Is the pipe to be welded in situ, or not yet mounted? = may the pipes to be welded turned around.
7. Is the joint horizontal or vertical?
8. Any other useful information.

Reply here, with

Kind Regards....

type of stainless is 316 size of pipe is 3'' thicness is about 1/4'' the pipes to be welded is same size and some flanges.the pipes can be rolled out .the joints are vert. how much gap do i need?

if its code pipe you should have a procedure paper for specific applications. but if your just welding non-code matl. start with a 3/32+gap. use 3/32 wire,just lay it in gap, before you strike arc. set amps at 75-85. strike arc on bevel run down into gap over wire,move your point of the tungsten side to side making sure you keep the puddle nice n even. slowly add filler wire to puddle a little at a time. do your tacks 1st and look into pipe at them(tacks)they should be smooth n have broken the line (there should be no line from either side of gap showing. as long as you have hooked a purge line up correctly. otherwise you'll just have ''sugar''(irregular lumps of disgusting blow-through). go with a 1/8 gap if you have no penetration.you have to push the wire into the puddle as you go always being aware of how much your feeding into it.practice,practice,practice.you'll develop your own style over time.remember:get into a comfortable position as best you can ,you'll have less fatigue.then you can learn how to walk the cup.hope this helps you out and remember when you get real good,don't brag about it,be modest let your work speak for itself. mongo74

ithink 4 mm well be ok

try this welding calculator from Miller and also the TIG handbook.

TIG Welding Calculator

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/calculators/tig_amperage_calculator.php

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/TIGhandbook/

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