304ss?

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Hi I was wondering if I can get some help on what kind of set up to use for tig welding 304 stainless steel. I want to build an exhaust manifold out of 304 stainless steel and I am either going to use tubing with a wall thickness of .125-.145 so my question is this what tungsten would you use as well as filler rod.ThanksRichard
Reply:Hello Richard, I just got done building my first manifold. I'd suggest using 2% lanthanated tungsten, and 1/16th 308 rod.
Reply:Ok thanks, Btw how many amps does it take normally to weld the wall thickness of .125-.145
Reply:125 to 145 Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Tubing, especially small diameter round tubing is some of the most difficult material to weld well. You really need to make sure you constantly adjust your hands so the tig torch remains constant relative to the small section of the material you are working on. Small tube requires you make these adjustments a lot faster than you do on larger tube or pipe. Doing this usually takes all your concentration, so it's best to start with the basics on flat plate and get all the motions down to the point where everything is 2nd nature. Also in most situations the weld changes position as you progress. Often you will start overhead  then progress into vertical, and finish in flat. If you are doing T's you can toss some horizontal into that mix as well. Each position has it's own unique things you need to learn, so it's not just learning to weld joints in the flat position before moving to tube, it's learning to weld joints on flat plate in all positions 1st.If you want to learn to do this in the least amount of time, I'd suggest you look at taking a night class in tig to get the basics down. Tig allows you the most control over the weld puddle, but because of this, there are more variables you need to learn to control. Many times I see students making mistakes, it's because they are changing a variable like arc length with out even being aware of it. It is frustrating to them because they can't understand why one time they do everything perfect, then the next 3 or 4 times it all goes to crap. Having someone knowledgeable who can watch over your shoulder and point out these mistakes can be a huge help. When you sit down and add up what it would cost you for electric, materials, rod, etc, not to mention instruction, most classes are stupid cheap. Around me it breaks down to a bit under $12 an hour for all the material and rod you can use in class..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Hi guys thanks a lot I am going to practice first on flat stainless steel as I only have a need to weld stainless. I plan to get a stubby gas lens kit as I think that will help with the weld quality.Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert Hall125 to 145
Reply:Originally Posted by bridgeport13bHi guys thanks a lot I am going to practice first on flat stainless steel as I only have a need to weld stainless. I plan to get a stubby gas lens kit as I think that will help with the weld quality.Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeNo, it wont. That will come into play when you are practiced very well. Gas lens kits are great and make a noticeable difference, although....great form and technique are the only way to see a noticeable difference with a set up like that. Don't practice on a project, or you will always be completely disappointed. Nothing will ever substitute for lack of experience. Nothing. It's just the truth, don't think I'm being a dlck.
Reply:Quote:Btw I tig stainless everyday not just guessing. For 304 stainless any variety of 308 filler, 308,308L,and 308H will all do the same thing.So just get what ever is cheaper also is there different diameter that work better than others.ThanksRichard
Reply:If you tigged  stainless everyday you would not be asking these questions. Got some pics of your experience?I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Hi I am not saying I tig every day in fact this is my first time, that is why I put the word quote next to it as I had a question of what Showdog75 said.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeIf you tigged  stainless everyday you would not be asking these questions. Got some pics of your experience?
Reply:Yeah I was.ThanksRichard
Reply:Originally Posted by bridgeport13bYeah I was.ThanksRichard
Reply:3/32" tungsten is a good all-rounder. it will stay happy between 130 and 35 amps in my experience..125-.145" i would start at 80 amps, and play from there.i think it was weldingtipsandtricks that said your amperage is good if you can light up and have a couple seconds before things start melting out of your control. i never payed attention before (i just literally burned enough stainless to develop a feel) but after hearing that, i agree its good advicehold the arc as close as you can, but don't let tungsten touchbosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:Will do thanks for the info. One more question what size filler to use.
Reply:Yes just get the cheapest variety,it'll be no difference to you. It only comes into play when the metal chemistry has to meet certain metallurgical qualities. In my opinion and experience when tig welding stainless when the heat (amperage) is right the weld will seem kinda cold til you start adding filler.If it flows good and immediately wets out then most likely your way to hot.jmo
Reply:If you havn't welded stainless proficiently on flat material in all positions, you need to rethink your project, or spend a lot of money. tube/pipe is a whole different animal, to top it off your doing it on stainless and not carbon. If you want to practice save yourself some money and start on some carbon sheet metal, then work to carbon tube/pipe, then do the same on stainless. Stainless isn't cheap and isn't the greatest to begin if you have little to no experience with tigging sheet/pipe.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:As far as filler size I absolutely prefer smaller filler everytime period, especially stainless and nickel alloys such as Inconel because the high chrome and nickel content makes the puddle sluggish to begin with then add too large of filler then you'll end up putting more heat then necessary into said piece. Make sense? Probably not for most folks til you do it everyday for years.
Reply:Where are you located? If close to me I'd be more than glad to give you a helping hand.
Reply:Originally Posted by bridgeport13bWill do thanks for the info. One more question what size filler to use.
Reply:Originally Posted by 92dlxman3/32" tungsten is a good all-rounder. it will stay happy between 130 and 35 amps in my experience..125-.145" i would start at 80 amps, and play from there.i think it was weldingtipsandtricks that said your amperage is good if you can light up and have a couple seconds before things start melting out of your control. i never payed attention before (i just literally burned enough stainless to develop a feel) but after hearing that, i agree its good advicehold the arc as close as you can, but don't let tungsten touch
Reply:Found it, about 2:55 he talks about getting moving quickly - which is what I did wrong on my first practice session.http://welding-tv.com/2014/04/17/tig...ss-lap-joints/Now, if only fixing the bad torch angle as I move around the tube was as easy to fix.....Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Regarding what you said Showdog75 I appreciate the offer but I live in Washington state. But I will go pick up some carbon steel for practice as well as some stainless for later down the road. I did review most of the videos from weldingtipsandtricks and that guy is amazing at welding. There is also weld.com he seems pretty good as well.ThanksRichardOriginally Posted by bridgeport13bRegarding what you said Showdog75 I appreciate the offer but I live in Washington state. But I will go pick up some carbon steel for practice as well as some stainless for later down the road. I did review most of the videos from weldingtipsandtricks and that guy is amazing at welding. There is also weld.com he seems pretty good as well.ThanksRichard
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPMike I think he was quoting showdog75. Who is an amazing welder!
Reply:No problem weldermike. Btw any ideas on what to get for a regulator/flow meter, looking for something that is not over priced like a good Chinese one as I have been told that there are some that are better than others.
Reply:The flow meter i use i got at a swapmeet. It was bran new in the box and the guy had no clue what it was, accept his friend got it from a hospital and he wanted ten bucks for it. One side of the cube had argon settings on it so i grabbed it. Ive had it for about 3yrs now. Dont no the make of it, but it sure as heck looks like it cost mad money. I can take a pic of it when i get home. At work i use whatever is laying around or what they get me.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Ok great.
Reply:I use the cheap HTP flow meters - I have two.http://www.ebay.com/itm/HTP-Argon-CO...-/140514184508It controls the flow well - but when the high pressure gauge says zero in the tank, there is still enough left for about an hour I've found.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I have a couple of what Dave has there too. Works peachy.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Originally Posted by bridgeport13bI live in Washington state.
Reply:Yeah they seem to be pretty cheap and have a good history of being a good product.
Reply:I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Nice. Btw any ideas of were to get a argon cylinder.
Reply:Originally Posted by bridgeport13bBtw any ideas of were to get a argon cylinder.
Reply:Find a local welding supply, that's your best bet. They don't like to and usually wont re fill bottles from another company. Once you get on a friendly basis with them, then they will usually work with you if you ever stumbled across a few more bottles.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Ok Makes sense
Reply:There is a guy named Tom who works in the Pacific store off of Union. Really nice guy. He will take good care of you. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Ok I will give him a call.
Reply:Originally Posted by bridgeport13bOk I will give him a call.
Reply:Ok so basically they have like a bottle exchange.