[TheForge] Re: welding 304 Stainless

[Rick & Kims Email]

Mike, I can't help you with the welding aspects of stainless but I
have some experience finishing it.  You will want to establish the
grain in 1 direction--around the diameter of the tubing.  Start w/50
or 60 grit if it is mill finish and work up to 100.

If the shape is open (no enclosed sections that you can't fit a
sanding belt on) you are in luck because it can be finished using the
high-quality 3-M sanding belts (blue/purple ones).  I used 3"x21"
belts, cut down the middle to yeild 2--1.5" belts.  Then I turned it
inside out and slipped it over the tube to be finished.  I drove the
belt with a 3" sanding drum chucked into my 1/2" variable-speed AC
drill.  I also forged a custom handle for the drill so I could
comfortably hold the drill in a position so that it pulled the belt
tight against the sanding drum and around the tubing.   You will be
able to work your way around the piece and along it's length, giving
it a uniform "brushed" finish.

If it has enclosed sections, like a railing, you can buy sanding &
polishing belts made by Walter that can be hooked together around the
piece.  They also make a variable speed angle grinder with a drum
attachment and belts that cost $350-400.

I have found it takes alot more work to finish stainless than it
seems.  You will probabally use alot of abrasives in the process.

Rick Korinek
Emerald City Forge
Framingham, MA