Welding Custom Exhaust

SomethingElse · #1 12-25-2006, 07:21 PM

I got 2 welders for x-mas

. A flux welder and an arc welder. from what I gather a flux welder is not really optimal for doing exhaust work because its used for thicker metals. Im still not sure on the arc welder

I tried to do some research but I cant always understand the lingo. The biggest cost$$ for me and cars is exhaust work so I need to elimate that because I dont believe in stock exhaust. I know some people on here have experience with welding there own exhaust and of course other things. Taking a class would be helpful but not required because I dont need to know who invented welding and blah blah blah to become a good welder who can create works of art. Any advice/experience would be helpful

It's Just Eric · #2 12-26-2006, 10:21 AM

Go to a class. There is alot of technical terms that really, REALLY help to know. With your "Flux welder", I'm going to assume that it is actually a MIG welder with flux cored wire. If that's the case, switch it over to a 75%Argon 25% co2 shielding gas setup and run straight wire. You'll only need like .030 diamiter wire at most for exhaust work. If the flux core wire was of a diffrent diameter, then youll need to switch over contact tips and possibly conduits.

Now with arc welding....Good luck. Arc welding is much more dificult than MIG welding. I would pick up alot of scrap metal and play around. Try diffrent welding rods (Both makeup and diameter) Arc welding is typically the best to learn about welding with first, because it IS more difficult than MIG welding. And ontop of that, there's no way to cheat a good bead with arc welding. It'll teach you alot about welding tecqnique, and when you go to use the MIG machine, you'll be laying MUCH stronger beads than if you just decided to wing it.

I personally wouldnt reccomend arc welding the exhaust though. Start and stops are more difficult, and it is a hell of alot easier to burn through with an arc welder. If you DO decide to arc the exhaust....Try 1/16th 7018 at 30 amps, dc- or ac. Pull the weld so you're less likely to burn through

Welding is an aquired skill, there really is no "Just make it hold", especially when exhaust is involved. Any pinholes or weakspots in your weld will likely become leaks

SVXRide · #3 12-26-2006, 10:30 AM

Just to add to Eric's great response

...the absolute best type of welding for exhaust systems is TIG welding, especially as you get closer to the engine. Custom exhaust manifolds, turbo systems, etc. are always TIG welded.
-Bill

TomsSVX · #4 12-26-2006, 02:34 PM

Bill, tig welding is just another form of arc welding... Just that there is no stick involved... Knowing what machines you have is very important here. If you have a flux core welder, is it able to be adapted to use sheilding gasses? Is the arc welder also a tig welder??

Tom

SVXRide · #5 12-26-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomsSVX

Bill, tig welding is just another form of arc welding... Just that there is no stick involved... Knowing what machines you have is very important here. If you have a flux core welder, is it able to be adapted to use sheilding gasses? Is the arc welder also a tig welder??

Tom

Tom,
yeah, guess I should have mentioned that

-Bill

SomethingElse · #6 12-26-2006, 05:56 PM

Its a flux wire welder and an arc welder. neither one is adaptable for gas. im taking them back for a 230 volt dual mig welder that works with or without gas.
Im not really going to have time or money for a class. maybe ill get the welding for dummies book. Is aluminum anymore difficult to weld? Im having a heck of a time getting my STI engine mounts to line up with my SVX brackets and destroyed a set already.