Stainless Tubing Question

admin

Hey guys, just lookin for some advice from anyone whos familiar with stainless exhaust tubing.. Im looking to fabricate some headers for my car and have been researching like crazy about this, Ive learned a lot about back purging when welding it. But my question is about quality. Obviously im not looking for some high end stuff but the prices seem to be everywhere when it comes to this stuff. I found some mandrel bent tubing made by vibrant shown here:http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CIcBEPMCMAcbut they dont explain anywhere why its ridiculously cheaper than the rest. And whats it mean by "sanitary grade"???? any help would be appreciated.
Reply:Sanitary/hygienic stainless explained... http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1183 and a cliff notes version... http://www.aalco.co.uk/datasheets/Stainless-Steel_St-St-Hygienic-Tube-and-Fittings_111.ashxDunno what the score is regarding pricing versus quality in the US but i suspect it's probably similar to the UK and other places in that...Hygienic bends from stainless stockholders are usually one of the cheapest sources for quality stuff. Downside is that sizes used are relatively limited. Some automotive tuning places are buying these and selling them on at insane mark ups...Obviously other people/companies/industries are bending tube too. 'Exhaust specific' stuff is being churned out in a wider range of sizes, again (given the cost of mandrel bending kit) some places are simply reselling after buying in bulk and adding  their mark up. Some of 'em are bringing stuff over from china. Some of the cheapnese stuff is properly nasty to weld being high in sulphur (welds tend/more prone to undercut)Some of the bends are made from good quality tubing but but were bent on a Friday afternoon (read rejects for hygienic stock)... A mate of mine was after some recently 90s, 180s 45s and straight in 2.25 and 2.5". I sorted him out with the 2.5" but 2.25 isn't a normal hygienic size so i gave him a phone #. He saved a buck and the hassle and bought what he needed off ebay, some of it was OK but a fair chunk of what he bought was a good example of how NOT to bend tube- necked and scored bends, excessive ovality etcLast edited by hotrodder; 04-17-2012 at 01:26 AM.
Reply:Here is a good website to check out. They gave a bunch of videos explaining diffrent things. If nothing else the vids may be helpfulhttp://www.stainlessheaders.com/index.aspxOffering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:acestainless.com has been a go-to source for people fabbing their own exhaust manifolds from schedule 10 "weld-els"Hobart EZ-Tig newbie.
Reply:Thanks guys a appreciate the quick responses! I'll check that out