Welding Austenitic Stainless Steel

• 1). Clean the area of the materials being welded. Be sure all loose material is removed and no oil or other deposits are present.
  
  
• 2). Secure the metals in a vise to hold them in place. If a vise can not be used, secure the materials with clamps.
  
  
• 3). Set the arc welder to the desired amperage. Ground the welder by attaching the alligator clip at the end of the ground cable to the work surface.
  
  
• 4). Install the electrode into the alligator clip at the end of the welding cable. Turn your head and gently tap the electrode to the work surface to test for electrical current.
  
  
• 5). Put on the welding helmet and insulated gloves. Position yourself above the work area.
  
  
• 6). Begin the weld by creating a weld pool. A weld pool is a small puddle of melted metal that will form as both of the metals begin to mix.
  
  
• 7). Hold the electrode at a 15-degree angle perpendicular to the welding surface. Begin to drag the weld pool by moving the electrode slowly along the seam of the mating surface of the metals. Continue along the seam until you reach the end of the area you wish to weld.
  
  
• 8). Allow the metals to cool. Use a stainless steel wire brush to clean up an weld splatter or excess metal deposits.