Hi,

I've got some interest in trying to make some custom pipes for my 93SE and I was wondering if anyone know of a good mig welder that would be powerful enough, yet still inexpensive, for welding exhaust pipes. I was just figuring going with the highest amp'd one I could get that ran off a 120v outlet, I don't really want the hassle of a 220v outlet, but I need something that can do the stainless steel pipes.

anyone ever given this consideration? I know a few people doing turbo projects have purchased a mig welder, how strong of one did you go with? do you recommend a brand??

Also, what size piping is strong enough for exhaust stuff?? Is there a mimimum thickness anyone recommends?

Thanks

 

nothing big enough to weld more than sheet metal will plug into a 110V recep. you'll have to go with 220 in order to have the current to drive anything worthwhile.

 

I have a Miller Millermatic 135 and am pleased with it. I am not sure about price because my dad gave it to me as a present. I use it for sheet metal and have also used it for exhaust pipe.

As long as your not going to build frames and such then the smaller 110 will be fine. I have a stick welder I use for big stuff.

 

I'm not going to be doing any kind of frame work. I just want to do stainless steel exhaust pipes. I didn't think they were that thick.

But you guys think I'll need a 220v one?

 

Buddy of mine did all my exhaust tubes and charge pipes using a mig I believe. Since the pipes are so thin, it's no biggie. I believe he just used a 100v unit. If you are that concerned, I would go to a supply place and ask them. They will know best. I hear SS is harder to weld so be sure to ask about that also.

 

check out www.welders-direct.com www.cyberweld.com and www.harborfrieght.com they all sell migs at good prices i plan on buying this one http://www.welders-direct.com/mercha...t_Code=U1875-1 this summer everyone at school i talk to says great things about lincoln and i want to buy a welder once and not have to buy a bigger one later and every one ive talked to says go 220v and ive used my grandpas 110v 125a stick alot and it would probobly be fine for thin exhaust pipe but i want mig bercause its hard to weld with stick and ive also heard you get a much better looking finish with gas insted of flux so thats another thing i will invest in it al depends on how much money you want to spend i have a dryer outlet near my garage and plan on buying an air compressor that is also 220v

 

Holy run-on sentence, Batman! That's nuts!

Punctuation is your friend.

 

sorry i never managed to pass english or grammer in highschool and it looks the same for college

 

i have a campbel-hausfield 110 unit that i picked up from home depot for 3 bills, but ive seen it on ebay for 2. ive welded over 1/8 inch thick metal with the rosin core (not mig) without a problem. in fact i fixed my dads exhaust today because the guy that did it before just brazed it together. i wouldnt ge a 220 unit for exhaust pipe. if you want a cleaner weld thoug definately get the mig attachments

 

This just brought more money spending and thoughts to my mind I think I need a mig welder and some sort of pipe bender to play with, anyone know of cost? I know this guy local wants to charge $1k+ for turbo piping. I know it can be done for less, I just need the connections

 

I'd be interested in a pipe bender....we've already got 3 welders

 

hey dmontz did you buy that ve off ebay i also had my eye on it but didnt want to go over 200 but 250 was still a great deal with 93k on it good luck

nPS: now just lower the compression on one of the VE's and run 20psi of boost and a 200 shot of nitrous and then youll be a fully modded ve 5spd hahahhaha

 

I do the pipe bending and you do the welding? sound good?

I am sick of being overcharged, I can understand people wanting to make money, but good lord, hook someone up and you make more in the long run. I know 4signs did all his piping for around $200. Piping is cheap, I am down to get it and make the bends and stuff, then all the flanges must be welded...

 

Yes, I had a nice reserve on it and watched it daily, I trust Erik ALOT and know it will be alright.

PS: Fully Modded = Every bolt on.

 

how big is your garage?? which kinda of pipe bender?? one of those manual ones for 2.25" and smaller or a REAL press type one...

 

I dont know anything about them, but it is time to start researching

I have a 2 car garage and a dinning room my mom gets ****ed cause I stack everything in there. But my dad is a car guy so all we have in the garage is our boat and I park my car in there, so we have the side of it that is left for a work bench 2 rollaways and soon to be engine, all the other crap goes into storage shed.

 

Hmmmm...I'm no expert, but professional mandrel bending machines are in the $7-10k range I think. I've seen some dinky smaller ones on wheels for $5k...then there are the little shop table presses for $50-100, only prob is they aren't mandrel and only bend up to 2" most of the time. IMO, the cost isn't worth it unless you are opening a full on shop. plus CORRECT bending isn't as easy as it might seem.

 

ok, I dont want one.

 

probably just better to spend the money on a welder, 'cause if you've got enough time and can buy enough small bent pieces, you can really make any crazy shaped pipe you want.... just a question of your patience....

now to decide on 120v vs. 220v

 

i purhcased a cheap campbell hausfeld 70amp flux core wire feed welder for $100 on ebay, and it welds my pipes just fine.. and ive welded steel almost 1/4 in thick w/ it and the welds hold great...

btw i got my mandrel bends from www.jcwhitney.com go to "emissions and exhaust" they are cheaper then gettin em bent, and better then crush bent pipes.

 

any probs with stainless steel? I wish 4signs would hop into this discussion.... seeing how he's really done this before and tested it.

 

i have some scrap stainless i just got, i havnt welded it yet, ill do it tomorrow and let you know how it turns out.

 

thanks.