MIG vs TIG - Exhaust ideas

[DrNBody]

Hey guys. Well, I've been pondering building myself a full stainless exhaust system with v-bands for some time now. I have a lincoln MIG, still no pro but I'm pretty ok with it. Need to practice more! I know there is a spool gun for my machine to make it work with aluminum, but as far as stainless I do not know much about. I know you need a TIG, but there is no way to use my machine?

Also, is it worth going full stainless with mild steel headers? I like the idea of a stainless exhaust.

PS- My Dakota R/T is my project/race vehicle, it gets all the $$ thrown at it. So cost is not that much of a concern.

 

[Grigg]

Stainless can be MIG welded, just buy the wire try it.

For thin stainless TIG is usually recommended, it's what I'd use for new stainless exhaust work.

If you're just starting to learn TIG welding best to try on simpler things. learning on stainless, thin material, and round tubing will be extra difficult.

 

[Iron Cat]

stainless welds basically the same as mild steel, just different wire (308LSi ,309LSi and 316 wire) and uses a tri mix gas(he/ar/co2). Im almost positive you can use a flux core wire as well if you don't have gas...As far as is stainless worth it..Its definetly an upgrade if its affordable

 

[JDon99]

If you are going with stainless, you should back purge or use Solar Flux.

 

[DrNBody]

Stainless can be MIG welded, just buy the wire try it.

For thin stainless TIG is usually recommended, it's what I'd use for new stainless exhaust work.

If you're just starting to learn TIG welding best to try on simpler things. learning on stainless, thin material, and round tubing will be extra difficult.

So a MIG can be used? Huh....I need more info and research on this.

stainless welds basically the same as mild steel, just different wire (308LSi ,309LSi and 316 wire) and uses a tri mix gas(he/ar/co2). Im almost positive you can use a flux core wire as well if you don't have gas...As far as is stainless worth it..Its definetly an upgrade if its affordable

I have flux wire, but mig gas. So wire & gas choice might lend me stainless welding capabilities? I'm intrigued.

If you are going with stainless, you should back purge or use Solar Flux.

What is back purge? Not sure what solar flux is, google here I come!

Thanks for all the swift responses guys, more are welcome! (Along with pics/vids too would be helpful)

 

[Iron Cat]

what gas are you using now?

 

[DrNBody]

what gas are you using now?

75/25 co2/argon I believe

 

[Iron Cat]

switch to tri mix (I believe its a bit more expensive) or just get some stainless flux core wire

 

[smokeysevin]

switch to tri mix (I believe its a bit more expensive) or just get some stainless flux core wire

do you have a good source for stainless flux core?

Sean

 

[rsanter]

What happens if you do not use the tru-mix gas and just use the CO2-argon 75-25 that I have now.
I have wondered about that but does anyone know

Bob

 

[AndeiH]

i have mig and tig machines and decided to go with mig on aluminized tubing. besides it being cheaper, you don't have to back purge like you do when using tig on stainless.

 

[steel 35]

What happens if you do not use the tru-mix gas and just use the CO2-argon 75-25 that I have now.
I have wondered about that but does anyone know

Bob

My attempts, might as well use gum.

 

[zTimbo]

For stainless exhaust using v-bands like u want, I would use a TiG, red tungsten, with 100% argon and no filler rod unless I have to. Most of the time I can get by just fusing the metal together when it comes to stainless. Stainless in my opinion is the easiest to weld. There is no real need to back purge, all it really does it make for a clean weld on the inside of the pipe (which is needed for some applications but not needed for exhaust work).

 

[Rickedstyles]

I have gotten away with using stainless wire and C25..but wasn't a critical part and wasn't worth the cost of another bottle..all it did was turn the welds black but I was planning on cleaning them up anyway..

 

[azhatchback]

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

My brother in law welds turbo kits up for a local performance shop. He uses a TIG. I MIG weld and gave his TIG a spin for the first time about 8 months ago. WOW! is all I can say. No splatter and it isn't that hard like some say. In fact I find that it's easier due to control. I did some of a cold side out of aluminum and was shocked that my fist bead was not hideous. If you got the cash do a TIG. If you plan on doing various metals a TIG is way nicer. If you get into aluminum get a helium bottle too. Aluminum ***** the heat right out so get a good hot machine and water cooled torch if possible. My brother in law's is not water cooled and the torch gets uncomfortably hot when doing aluminum.

 

[Farmall450]

www.weldingtipsandtricks.com is the place to go.

 

[kazlx]

So a MIG can be used? Huh....I need more info and research on this.



I have flux wire, but mig gas. So wire & gas choice might lend me stainless welding capabilities? I'm intrigued.



What is back purge? Not sure what solar flux is, google here I come!

Thanks for all the swift responses guys, more are welcome! (Along with pics/vids too would be helpful)

Yes, mig can be used, but like stated, there are some material-specific changes you need to make to keep the SS properties. Otherwise, you are contaminating the weld and there's no point in using SS.

When you run gas while welding, you are 'front purging'. Back purging is the same thing, just to protect the back side of the weld, usually done on thin material where the molten puddle can be contaminated by ambient air from the back side. Most commonly done on thin materials (headers, frames, etc) and most commonly on tubing. It's usually done by plugging the holes and running Argon or your purge gas to flush out the ambient air. Purging as a term just refers to removing the ambient air to create an inert environment. Materials like titanium are very sensitive to contamination.

Solar flux is a paste that is used to accomplish the same thing. Some people like it, some don't. I've never used it.