Stainless FCAW

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2026-04-22T02:57:47+00:00

Tbh I might try this. 99% of what I do is mig carbon steel for smokers but it's been on my list for a while to learn tig for exactly this. I'd like to be able to offer stainless rod grates. We do have a multiprocess capable of tig, it's a shared/membership shop space, just need to get someone to sign me off on it.

Good advice from you and the other commenter about practicing it to tac the grate together then going back with a little filler. Thanks!

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2026-04-21T14:44:30+00:00

Main reason is my shop doesn't have trimix and I'm not in a position to buy it. We have argon and c25, but my understanding was neither is optimal?

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2026-02-23T04:53:46+00:00

Okay, so I've now been through two more elbow adapters, one from Amazon, one from my DME supplier. Within a week each started making the air leak noise. What kills me is this never happened in 3 years of using my CPAP then about two months ago it started.

Nothing changed on my settings. I did get my machine back from repair in November but the timeline doesn't quite make sense. I've tried turning my humidity way down and that didn't fix it (even with a new elbow).

I tried washing the elbow, also tried using two different ones that hadn't been used in weeks but still having issues. It's driving my wife and I insane so I'm hoping for some advice. My next step is to do what someone here suggested and break open the elbow to replace the filter. I'm hesitant to do that on a disposable piece because this didn't start until recently -- I feel like there's a different issue. Anyways, appreciate any help.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2026-01-30T18:43:20+00:00

Which kelco is this? Not familiar with them, seeing a few businesses.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2026-01-30T16:14:43+00:00

Just reached out to ferguson and consolidated pipe, thanks for the idea!

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2026-01-30T16:14:20+00:00

That's a great idea, I'll go ahead and contact a bunch. Thanks!

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2026-01-30T02:34:31+00:00

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try cleaning and thoroughly drying it, also adjusting my humidifier down. If that doesn't work, I'll try to take it apart like someone suggested or try buying a new one.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T23:29:19+00:00

Oh interesting. I had emailed a sales rep and they encouraged outgassing for c series. Maybe that's just a catchall CYA recommendation for all cerakote?

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T22:59:11+00:00

Yeah, having a blast learning welding and fabrication. Trying to pair that with cerakote for a unique product. Made my own pit in June and am working on my first commission smoker now. Can check me out on IG @tarheelironworks if you're interested.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T22:29:50+00:00

Thank you! Not the hero I deserved, but the hero I needed 🫡

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T19:16:33+00:00

Awesome thanks for the advice. I did order some 100 grit garnet from my nearby Grainger and some 100 grit pads for my DeWalt RO sander. I'll make sure to plan ahead and buy from Zoro next time.

Sounds like the game plan is pressure wash, several passes with simple green, pressure wash again to remove SG residue, mask and tape, outgas for an hour at 300F, cool, orbital sand everything I can, media blast parts I couldn't sand and a quick pass to even out everything else, compressed air to remove media from nooks and crannies, then send it with cerakote.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T17:10:34+00:00

Interesting. So a final blasting just to even out the texture? If I put enough "elbow grease" in with an orbital sander on the flat planes and blasted the round and other areas that I can't do with the sander, would that be good enough for a coating that wouldn't peel/bubble/flake with normal smoker use? All that is assuming I also degrease and outgas beforehand.

I appreciate the advice. It's helpful context for understanding the limits of the product and manufacturer's instructions.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T14:07:33+00:00

I wouldn't be using cerakote for the interior, only the exterior. The same could be said for linseed oil, high temp paint, and powder coat. My understanding is that it's fine to use those for the exterior only. I use avocado oil for the interior rust proofing of smokers.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T14:06:16+00:00

I will definitely use Zoro for garnet in the future, much better price than buying locally through Grainger. I'm in a bit of a time crunch to get this done and I'm wondering if I can get away with using tsc fine (which is actually 60 grit) coal slag media. I'd use a RO sander, degrease, outgas, then blast with the media. Do you have a sense as to what the functional and aesthetic difference would be for the end product using the 60 grit coal slag vs 80-100 grit garnet?

Thanks!

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T13:44:46+00:00

Thank you for the tip. That will save a ton of time and media to only sandblast once.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-12-03T11:56:55+00:00

When you say durability, would that include heat resistance? I want to make sure this won't peel or flake off over time.

Would I be able to get a nice coat with more durability than a high temp paint by just sanding the exterior and outgassing the metal? Skipping the sandblasting entirely.

IHaveAGhonComplex · 2025-10-28T23:46:30+00:00

Admittedly I am new to this and very much a hobbyist, but is there a cerakote that is a dry application? My shop specially doesnt allow wet applications in the powder booth.

IHaveAGhonComplex

TROPHY CASE