Im working on building a dual exhaust system for my car. Can i weld the exhaust pipe with flux core wire? some where i read said you need to use shielding gas! Thanks.

If you're using normal aluminized mild steel you wont have a problem. Just the welds will look awful, but thats the price for flux core

Im not sure if you can get hot enough to weld to stainless

Im looking at buying a welder. Im not sure if I should spend the extra cash on one that can use sheilding wire? Im looking a several diffrent welders, the one im leaning towards is a holbart ez125 welder! anyone have any suggestion? Input needed!

Thanks..

I think you'd be happier if you stepped up to the Hobart Handler 140 http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...ed/handler140/. That way if you decide to run a shield gas in the future you will have the capability.

And yes, you can weld exhaust with flux core. It will only look like crap if you are inexperienced. You can also weld stainless to regular aluminized pipe with regular old .035 flux core wire....I have done it many, many times.

I use a Clarke 130en at home: http://www.antonline.com/p_WE6523-GP_331058.htm. So far it has been an awesome little machine. I've had the el cheapo Lincolns from Home Depot in the past. The only thing they are good for is hitting the duty cycle in the middle of a 2" long bead on 1/4" plate....then it's wait 10 minutes for the machine to reset. I have yet to hit the duty cycle on my Clarke and I've put it through it's paces on everything from 24 ga sheet metal to 3/8" plate. It is very similar to the big 220 Miller that I use at work. I think that it might even be made by Miller.

If you can justify the expense of a better unit -- especially
if you expect substantial use --

I bought one of the "Home Depot" economy units, and my skill is the
biggest limiting factor. On the rare occasions I need really quality
work, I farm it out to a pro.

one of the biggest factor you should look at it is. the thickness of the metal it can weld and the duty cycle. The higher the percentage the better. Easiest way to understand duty cycle is if it says duty cycle say 20% that means it will weld at the the heat it is set at for 2 out of 10 mins.

+ 1 for the hobart handler. I have one and it is a great machine.


I only use flux core, and my welds look pretty damn snazzy. I'd stack them up against gas welds any day

Double post