mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

Alright, so the last part of my diy setup that I need is exhaust. I am thinking I can probably tack weld it together and take it to a shop and have them do it right.

The thing is i don't know much at all about welding, I want to get a welder that will let me do this project, and possibly exhaust work in the future.

I want to try and get everything I need for $500 or less, but if I can't no big deal.

What do I need? Mig? tig? flux? gas?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys

Loki047

iTrader: (6)

Are you doing SS?

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

Prob not, but It would be nice to leave that option open for the future.

kyle242gt

I put together an exhaust for a previous car, it's really pretty easy to work with... if you can use a glue gun, you can MIG/flux weld.

Fluxcore welders are cheaper, messier, and use more expensive wire
MIG welders are more expensive, cleaner, and use cheaper wire.

You can go from one to the other with the appropriate rollers, gun/line, and regulator.

I bought a 120V 135A Lincoln for about $400.

I also recommend a 14" metal chop saw, makes it a lot easier to get straight cuts.

You can weld SS with mild steel wire, but the welds won't be stainless

Loki047

iTrader: (6)

K start with fluxcore, (and if you want to move onto mig with the addition of a tank and regulator).

Look at clarke from personal experience (3 welders) they have been great and have an awesome warranty.

I have hear decent stuff of Chicago Electric welders.

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

Already have the chop saw...damn good tool.

What about this guy?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94164
Or would I be better off with 230v?

I know I need helmet (auto darkening) and gloves (ok to trust harbour freight ones?). Anything else?

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

so does flux use wire and mig use gas?

bryantaylor

iTrader: (5)

i have the welder right below that model. its cheap, and gets the job done.

XxGoKoUxX

iTrader: (2)

uhh... from what i've seen... it doesn't take more than 100$ for a shop to weld together an exhaust for you.... hell they chopped mine's off and rewelded for 30$ i had straight pipes and a single resonator for 90$ welding and everything

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

This guy?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=6271

I usually wouldn't trust harbour freight for stuff like this, but it you guys use them then why not.

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

Yeah your prob right..but I want to learn anyway. Now is a good chance.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

They both use wire.

A gasless MIG welder requires you to use wire which has a shielding agent impregnated into the core of the wire, much like rosin-core solder. Ie: the wire is literally hollow, and has sticky stuff (flux) inside it. When you weld, the flux vaporizes and forms a cloud which shields the work area. It also makes a horrible mess.

With a gas-type MIG welder, the wire is solid (no flux impregnation) and you use an external tank of inert gas which is funneled up a tube to the welding tip and dispensed whenever the trigger is pulled. This produces a much cleaner weld.

SOME gasless MIG welders can be converted to gas-type operation down the road by purchasing a regulator, solenoid, and tank. This is often more expensive than just buying a welder already set up to take gas.

Many of the cheapest gasless MIG welders cannot be converted. My Harbor Freight unit, for example, cannot. This is a bummer, as I'm sick and damn tired of flux-core welding.

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

Just realized the one I posted is 220v, guess its time to wire up an outlet in the garage.

bryantaylor

iTrader: (5)

nope, this one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94056. u havent really had any complaints on it. cant beat it for the price.

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

Cool, that is cheap. Looks like i'm loosing the MIG capability though. I've also heard it is important to use good wire. Where do you guys get yours?

XxGoKoUxX

iTrader: (2)

that's cool..... i'm just a lazy bum so i'd rather take it to a shop or somebody to weld it for me... hahaha

bryantaylor

iTrader: (5)

i use harbor freight wore too, becuase its the cheapest. my welds look like ****, but i have NEVER had one fail, ever

kyle242gt

You don't really need 220V. It'd be nice if you're doing heavy fab work or a lot of steady duty, but I've been known to abuse mine and haven't had an issue.

MIG is really nice, clean and simple.

HF helmet is fine, that's what I have.

I've heard that some of the HF welders use Lincoln/Miller style components (thank U china), making repair/upgrade easier.

In my experience, you never regret buying a nice tool. You regret cheaping out and suffering for it, though.

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

That's all that matters dude.

mx5roadster

iTrader: (3)

Couldn't agree with you more

Yeah I think I am going to buy the $270 MIG one and be done with it.