Stainless exhaust b-pipe

[Wrenchtamer]

It looks like that flux works really well. I am gonna have to pick some up to try out for my next stainless projects. Anyone compare the flux to back purging? Is it cheaper to use one verse the other?

I just did a ton of stainless exhaust tubing for a set of custom headers. The fit up was pretty poor and there was a ton, I mean a TON of welding to be done on them. they were constructed from an assortment of mandrel bent pieces by the fab guy at our shop. Basically he just cut a bunch of pie slices out of the various pieces of tubing to get the general shapes down and brought it to me for welding. With the long pieces I was back purging with pure argon but that is much harder to do with a two or three inch piece because of the heat generated. I went and bought some solar flux and let me tell you that stuff is awesome. It burns black when you weld over but seems to sand out ok.. It is cheaper and easier welding than back purging, but if you are filling big gaps like I was and the flux gets to the topside of the weld it makes it a little difficult to tell where the flux is and where the base metal is. the flux will melt and puddle and accept filler just like the base metal so you have to really make sure to get the heat in there. But IMO overall the flux is better and less problematic than back gassing. I also had to weld the inside of some of the joints which isnt possible when purging. I got a one pound can at local LWS for about 40$. It was totally worth it if you dont already have a spare bottle and regulator or a dual regulator.

[presure2]

thanks geezer!! im was super happy with the beads on that flange, my only gripe about it is having to start and stop so many times because of my crappy torch control..lol i think once i get my dedicated work area together, it will get a bit easier to work my way around the pipes like that.
i cant speak to the solar flux VS back purge, since i've never done any purging..but the solor flux seemed to work well, i guess time will be the best test..lol
anyway, thank you all for you tips, suggestions, and compliments, every little bit helps, and hopfully someday i will be able to return the favor to you guys!
next up, aluminum intercooler tubes!!!
ill tell ya, i have been VERY excited about learning this awesome craft that we share, and now that its here and im learning, its even more fun than i thought!
the more i do it, the more happy i get.
i know some of you guys do this for a living, and get frustrated and what not doing things, but for me, this is my hobby, and i find it incredibly relaxing, while the chanllange of figuring out the layout of things and fit up is a great challange.
awesome stuff!!

GO EVERLAST!! this machine is awesome.