Welding exhaust tubing

[got2haul]

I have a MIG welder that uses standard CO2/Argon gas with steel wire or gasless flux-core wire.  Is it possible to use this machine and setup to weld standard exhaust tubing?

[Irish_Alley]

heck yeah, you can use a 120 or 240 welder just have to set it right. another tip is if your not good at welding just spot it not sure what the proper name is but used it allot with thin metal. you have your welder turned about half way and hit it a second like to leave a spot before it cools down "wile its still cherry red move up about a 1/8 " and hit it again keep doing it this way till your done. i would say its almost imposable to burn though doing this but it can be done

[got2haul]

So the metal used in exhaust tubing is simply mild steel?  Is it galvanized or treated in some way such that I need to look out for toxic fumes more so than when welding standard mild steel?

[eventhorizon66]

Toxic fumes just take years off the end of your life.  Those years are miserable anyways, so you won't miss them.

[rockable]

You should have good ventilation and a fan to carry off the fumes.  Most is coated with aluminum or zinc.  You should try to sand as much of it off as possible.  This will help your weld quality and your quality of life.   

[Irish_Alley]

most of the time if your welding in a shop the fumes rise up and since you under the car you be OK just don't get slag in the ear

[oldwhity]

Toxic fumes just take years off the end of your life.  Those years are misersable anyways, so you won't miss them.

Lmao. That was good!

[rockable]

Hey, don't laugh.  I was on a creeper and welding the subframe on my son's car over Christmas holidays.  I had on a rawhide jacket with the top button snapped up.  I also had on a pair of short leather gloves and wasn't thinking.  The first thing that happened was one of those globules of molten metal ran down my sleeve!  Ouch!  It took all the self restraint I had to not beat my head to a pulp before I crept out.  I've still got a scap on my elbow where that sucker landed and took up residence.  It happens.

[Maintenanceman]

Weld the crap out of it buddy! Your good to go!

[Irish_Alley]

had a uncle that was welding up an exhaust and not wearing a helmet he went to spot weld it well you normally put your hand over the weld turn you head and tack it in place. well thats what he did but a spark went into his ear busted his ear drum he still is deaf in that ear. almost hapend to me but lucky it didn't go down far, so from now on i wear ear plugs. my good friend had scars all over his arms hes to dedicated for welding cause if he want his weld to look good he will not stop till the weld is compleat no mater if hes on fire or not

[joesgarage71]

I have a MIG welder that uses standard CO2/Argon gas with steel wire or gasless flux-core wire.  Is it possible to use this machine and setup to weld standard exhaust tubing?

 Practice on a spare piece to get your settings right, grind/clean your joints good. no reason why you can't make a clean continuous bead.

[Lt.Del]

well thats what he did but a spark went into his ear busted his ear drum he still is deaf in that ear. almost hapend to me but lucky it didn't go down far, so from now on i wear ear plugs.

I do a lot of Arc welding and have never thought of that before....it makes perfect sense.  I usually work with 3/16" angle iron and flat iron for various projects.  Anything thinner than 1/8" i usually burn right through it even on the lowest setting.   

[joesgarage71]

I do a lot of Arc welding and have never thought of that before....it makes perfect sense.  I usually work with 3/16" angle iron and flat iron for various projects.  Anything thinner than 1/8" i usually burn right through it even on the lowest setting.   

 That makes me think of when I was working for a joint in Charlotte NC that had me stick weldin' thin duct work for a fire system, and it was a real challenge not to burn a hole through it!

[Bitzer!]

Quick hint- if yr welding under car make sure you get a fireproof/heatproof mat and top the heat setting the carpet alight!!

[rockable]

Stick welding thin stuff is really tough.  MIG is a lot better and easier.  Tig is best.  Oxy Acetlyene works ok, too.