First "real" TIG welding project coming up.

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I need advice on welding stainless exhaust tubing. I bought a exhaust system that belongs to another bike. I needed the mufflers off of it. And that was the cheapest route. Here they are:Here is the header:See the bracket right after the coupling? That's where I will cut it. Then build a Y pipe.Now, I am buying a new header pipe. So all I have to make is a mid-pipe. I also have to buy exhaust pipe expanders, and a second regulator for purging.I saw a video where the guy was running about 45 amps. I will be using a foot pedal, so it will be all by feel.Any tips?Millermatic 211PowerPlasma 50s
Reply:You ask for 'Any tips???'Have you bothered to study some of the rather thorough threadson SS tube welding or expect to be spoon-fed everything alreadycovered in those threads?Blackbird
Reply:Originally Posted by dave powelsonYou ask for 'Any tips???'Have you bothered to study some of the rather thorough threadson SS tube welding or expect to be spoon-fed everything alreadycovered in those threads?
Reply:The only advice I would have for you is to make sure you dry fit everything first on the Bike, and if you can try to get a couple of tacks on it while it is on the Bike. The only other thing I would do, is if you have a couple of pieces of scrap Pipe I would test to make sure my settings were right as far as amperage and gas flow. Hope that help's you out.
Reply:That's titanium. You need to backpurge + use trailing shield. Only gold and silver colors of the weld bead are acceptable. I would take it to pro welder with some experience with welding titanium... ...it's the cheapest way.btw... ...I was on akrapovic factory tour and saw how they weld exhaust systems.
Reply:Here's two threads to get you started:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=116181http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=45112Miller Dynasty 200 DXBuildPro TMA52238 (38" x 22")Miller MP-10 & Jackson Nexgen EQC20 Ton Press & Swag HD Press Brake
Reply:look at the videos on www.stainlessheaders.com, which are also hosted on youtube.  and of course search here for "stainless steel headers 304 etc etc etc etc"
Reply:Thanks for the help. I'll post pics once I get everything together.Millermatic 211PowerPlasma 50s
Reply:First project on Akrapovic titanium exhaust... do you even have Ti filler? if you try to weld it with SS filler it will crack.Generic tube expanders WILL NOT work on Ti tube, Ti tensile strength is 50% more of 304SSIf you still want to destroy it at least get a jumbo gas lens cupI would build SS connectors and wouldn't weld anything Ti on it... but I'm a douchebag who welds for a living--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:Originally Posted by DonoharmFirst project on Akrapovic titanium exhaust... do you even have Ti filler? if you try to weld it with SS filler it will crack.Generic tube expanders WILL NOT work on Ti tube, Ti tensile strength is 50% more of 304SSIf you still want to destroy it at least get a jumbo gas lens cupI would build SS connectors and wouldn't weld anything Ti on it... but I'm a douchebag who welds for a living
Reply:Edit................Last edited by 225; 12-25-2012 at 01:41 PM.Millermatic 211PowerPlasma 50s
Reply:Today I sent in a quote for :All 1-1/4" 304 stainless tubing.4 -180-45 J-Mandrel bends4 - 45 degree mandrel bends4 - 90 degree mandrel bends20ft of 1-1/4" .065 tubing3lbs - Type 347 1/8 TIG filler rod.I also have to buy another argon regulator for my other argon bottle for purging. I went overboard on tubing. I did this for practice and maybe another job down the road.Millermatic 211PowerPlasma 50s
Reply:Originally Posted by 225Today I sent in a quote for :3lbs - Type 347 1/8 TIG filler rod.
Reply:My suggestion is tape the ends of the pipe and fill with shielding gas so the weld don't 'sugar' inside the tubing.  I've Tigged a number of pickup truck exhaust systems that way, all mild stainless.I'm no expert either but I have a good teacher.  He certifies weldors at N plant refits.I'm a glue gunner myself......I don't weld for a living, I agitate employees, I'm a BOSS.
Reply:Originally Posted by 225Today I sent in a quote for :3lbs - Type 347 1/8 TIG filler rod..
Reply:i'm no expert but i've played with a lot of thin stainless, 22 and 24 gauge food grade stuff.  I think you're gonna find 1/8" filler rods to be a nightmare to work with since the stuff you're welding is only .065.  And with SS, a little filler goes a long ways.  I'm curious on why you picked Type 375 filler for 304 tubing.  I would have used either 308L or 309L.Kudos to you for taking on this task yourself and learn as you go.  A lesser man would have push the bike to the muffler shop and swipe the credit card.  make sure you clean the Heat Affected Area before you weld.
Reply:These guys are right, 1/8" simply will not work. You want .030" - .045"Also why did you get 347 filler? 308L is what you want unless I'm missing something...Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:I'm sorry I thought it was full titanium. If it's stainless, then it's probably 316 or 316L. I personaly weld tubing like this with 1mm rods (0.40inch) with pulser turned on. I also use big #8-#12 cups and backpurge. You need blue/gold weld, otherwise it may crack.