So I've got a "stainless" dishwasher that's in pieces, and it's decent condition metal that could be used for some projects. I know that some stainless steel can be magnetic, so how is one to know if they've got actual stainless steel or "stainless look" mild steel? It's not critical that it be stainless for the application, but I'd like to at least use the correct filler when it gets welded.
There are different types of stainless steel. If a magnet sticks to it it is a lesser grade. It will still rot away if it is exposed to salty water and such. It is most likely 304 and to quote "Austenitic stainless steels such as grade 304 stainless or grade 316 stainless can be welded to plain carbon steel using MIG and TIG welding. When welding stainless steel to a dissimilar metal such as plain carbon steel, weld processes such as MIG welding that use filler material are preferred."
In the past I have welded 304 with the standard MIG wire. It would still need to be painted to protect it from rust.
"Stainless Steel" is like "Aluminum". Many different alloys available.
Most exhaust shops will weld stainless systems with standard MIG wire, you have to find a decent fabricator to have it done in stainless.
Thanks y'all. I've done the whole welding mild to stainless using 309 filler before, but I'm mostly trying to figure out if my magnetic stainless is actually just brushed look mild steel. I suppose a spark test is in order?
If it's magnetic, it's likely a 400-series stainless alloy.
I believe the majority of "stainless facias" are a very low grade magnetic. The tuba tend to be "real" stainless due to the caustic soaps they encounter. Not clear that helps but should clairfy a touch.
If it's not painted and part of a dishwasher it would almost have to be some grade of stainless. If it's a stamping it's probably 430 or something closely related.
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