What type of metal is the exhaust?

[tom3]

The parts being welded have to be really clean and shiny bare steel, crud of any kind will pretty much make for a lousy weld. If the welder will lay a bead it should have enough *********** to stick exhaust tubing.

 

[PPV_2018]

Flux core welding (FCAW) has a bad rap with automotive guys, but there's nothing wrong with it, actually.

In fact, it's WIDELY used and industry standard in structural steel fabrication. Think big 1 1/2" thick base plates welded to heavy columns or plate girders. FCAW has excellent deposition rates and ***********. There's actually two types of flux core welding FCAW-G and FCAW-S. The G still requires shielding gas, but has greater deposition rates. Ideal for high production in fabrication shop use. The self-shielding or S is better for field welding where you may get a cross wind.

That's not here nor there.

Edit: p-en-etration got censored out! *********** WTF! LMAO

You’re right, you’re right. That’s 100% true that there’s both self shielding and gas shielded flux-cored welding, so sorry for my misleading statement.

When it comes to structural fabrication FCAW definitely has its place, though in even in today’s age SMAW still plays a big roll in structural as well. In fact I’d wager to say that for structural welding for real thick metals SMAW is probably king, though in the most basic of terms, one could argue that SMAW is basically FCAW-S in electrode form lol.

Again, i was just saying *personally* I prefer solid wire and gas. Argon provides excellent shielding from the atmosphere and co2 is amazing for p*en*etration (yeah wtf lol) .. but that’s not to say that FCAW doesn’t have advantages.. it certainly does in various applications. Though, i digress..


So back on topic,

I'll look at an inverter welder. Is it this one HERE ? Guy at parts store said he had a chepo Lincoln welder he felt was similar to mine. He really thought mine should cut the mustard but the Lincoln base model must be far superior?

I have a 220v plug in my garage as well, is there a reasonable 220v wire feed welder? I'm not sure I can afford / want to get into the gas stuff yet. It's nice and I fiddled with it years ago but bit more than I want for my little jobs.

My opinion, again, just my own opinion but I never recommend welders that are flux only. Even if you don’t want to mess with gas, I recommend having a machine that is gas capable that way it is there should you ever need it/decide to start going the gas route.

Also, you’ve got to be careful with “Lincoln” because the “Lincoln” machines that are sold at northern tool and , etc, are NOT built to the same spec as commercial Lincoln outlets. Not saying they’re bad, but think of it like a repackaged auto battery.

Also, nowadays they make machines there are 110 *AND* 220 capable by means of an adapter plug. Those machines are a great investment in terms of versatility, and I’ve seen gas/flux capable, multiprocess, 110/220 machines in the $1000 range.

 

[PPV_2018]

That said my neighbor with a lifetime of experience couldn't made a weld that held with that machine on my exhaust either. His welds didn't look too different from mine. It's hard for me to explain, the materials never melts together?

Lol, I’m gonna say something that sounds kinda funny, but a lifetime of experience doesn’t necessarily mean they know what they’re doing … NO offense.. LOL


E: Sorry for double post, i thought they would merge together

 

[strutaeng]

You’re right, you’re right. That’s 100% true that there’s both self shielding and gas shielded flux-cored welding, so sorry for my misleading statement.

When it comes to structural fabrication FCAW definitely has its place, though in even in today’s age SMAW still plays a big roll in structural as well. In fact I’d wager to say that for structural welding for real thick metals SMAW is probably king, though in the most basic of terms, one could argue that SMAW is basically FCAW-S in electrode form lol.

Again, i was just saying *personally* I prefer solid wire and gas. Argon provides excellent shielding from the atmosphere and co2 is amazing for p*en*etration (yeah wtf lol) .. but that’s not to say that FCAW doesn’t have advantages.. it certainly does in various applications. Though, i digress..


So back on topic,



My opinion, again, just my own opinion but I never recommend welders that are flux only. Even if you don’t want to mess with gas, I recommend having a machine that is gas capable that way it is there should you ever need it/decide to start going the gas route.

Ya, I agree 100%. SMAW is still KING on most field ******** for structural steel projects I've worked on.

You sound like you have done some of this work before? I've only dealt with general contractors who work with steel erectors for buildings... stuff like that.

 

[PPV_2018]

Ya, I agree 100%. SMAW is still KING on most field ******** for structural steel projects I've worked on.

You sound like you have done some of this work before? I've only dealt with general contractors who work with steel erectors for buildings... stuff like that.

I am not a welder by trade, *but*, 15 years this august in the welding & gas industry, I’ve seen and know a thing or two

I’ve mostly only hobby welded myself, but have dibbled and dabbled with a little bit of everything except TIG. I actually specialize in gases and their properties, but have done a considerable amount of welding specific research and field testing in the scope of my career. Also I’ve dealt with a very broad range of industries up close and personal which allows me to speak on things like this particular topic. Not claiming to be a know it all expert but i am pretty confident in this field.

 

[swathdiver]

Awesome thanks! Do you know much about welding? I'm not sure what welding wire would work with that.

Nope, always wanted to learn but have many family and friends that do it so I don't have to.