Can I MIG weld 7/8 pipe to 7/8 mild steel?

[panel]

I have a frame made up from 7/8" stainless but have the motor mount and seat mount,head tube + everything else just plate steel etc. Do I have to get this all Tigged? Can I just use my Lincoln 140 for all of this ?

This is for a mini bike frame like the one in my avatar.

 

[mckutzy]

For the most part, no.
Stainless and regular carbon steel won't bond well in this case, regardless of process.

Oh and a shout out to my local brother... Just right across the straight from ya...
Cool looking VW too.

 

[griff7373]

I am probably going to get in a big flame war over this (why I don't post a lot either), but yes you can weld stainless to mild, granted I used to do it with plates and not pipes.

Here is a link from Hobart explaining it:

http://www.hobartbrothers.com/news/...-Welding-Stainless-Steel-to-Carbon-Steel.html

 

[mckutzy]

That's ironic... I did look at that site... To clarify...
I'd reckon a guess the structure couldn't handle the neck joint weld.
Tabs and other mounts, ya.

 

[Denny]

Yup, just keep an eye out for cracking that may occur after some hard use. But if done right it will be a long time.

Denny

 

[x5050160]

Get a torch on the carbon side before and after welding. Don't let the joint cool too fast or that carbon steel could get brittle. You can also weld with a helium based shielding gas to help with heat transfer. You will also need to use a higher voltage setting than you would use with carbon steel because stainless doesnt conduct electricity very well. I would tack top, bottom, left, right. That should help with any distortion or shrinkage issues. Also i would avoid breathing in those stainless fumes, I don't think chromium is good for the lungs.

 

[chancer]

I had some 1" angle I used last year to make a jackshaft mount. I welded mild steel to it with my mig. I did not realize it was stainless, till I tried to Drill a hole in it! Anyway it welded just fine and is still holding.

 

[panel]

Thanks for the input guys.