Can you use normal mild steel arc rods on stainless ?

I've tried this and the results werent pretty (neither is my welding)

 

I think you have to get a special rod, my normal arc rods were blowing through the stainless steel quite easily and when i turned power down i had a hard time building up an arc.

 

my welding isn't to good though lol :)

i have used them before

Hi Andy,

 

You need to get some suitable composed bimetal rods, or use low hydrogen tig filler wire!

 

Gimme a ring on 07973-324821 & explain your situation & i'll be able to help a bit more, If i've got some I'll send you some.

 

harve

Thanks mate. It was just a bit of a gap fiilling situation on an exhaust manifold - not structural. Had a bash at it with the basic rods and apart from looking a bit bird-shitty it seems to have done the trick.

:duffer: Better of with MIG or Tig stick welding on stainless is west with stainless rods

I'm sure it is but when you have a leaking stainless exhaust, a basic arc welder and limited amount of time (eg MOT the next day) blagging extra welding kit is not always possible. Anyway, cheers to all for the advice, I'll stock up on some extra rods for next time.

I'll stock up on some extra rods for next time.

 

 

Or give me a shout mate an you can use all the tools at my work