3mm s/s 304 butt weld full penetration without filler

[jabbers]

I am new to tig welding and was practicing on 3mm s/s steel and I can't get full penetration without filler on a butt weld. Is that right? I am sure I must be doing something wrong. I haven't received my 308l rods yet so haven't practiced with filler yet but I should be o.k.

It is quite thick and the bead actually looks quite good, I've found stainless to be very easy to weld.

 

[Tungsten Sharpener]

3mm is a bit heavy for an autogenus weld, the cavity in the fit up will cause the weld to be well below surface.

I often run a fused root and cap with filler on sch20 tube, dont forget that you will have to protect the back of the weld with cover gas. 80amps should be a good starting point.

TS

 

[jabbers]

Thats exactly what I was getting at, the weld is well below surface If I get it to penetrate. Just wanted to double check that. I was at about 70-80 amps, It was just practice really nothing more.

Thanks for clearing that up.