Comments on newbie SS tube weld

[ttype]

Am starting to tig weld a SS exhaust pipe.
Img_0320.jpg
Not pretty, but is anything obvious that can be changed to improve the weld ? Besides practice.

3" Tube 1/16 wall 304 SS
1/16 308 filler
1/16 red tungsten
pipe purged w. argon

[JonnyTIG]

Have you tried just fusion welding the tubes together?

[projectwelder]

Looks like you may be movig a bit fast, you may wish to slow the torch a little. Try to be more even with the filler dabs to get a nicer appearance as well. With stainless you should be back gassing the weld with argon or using flux to prevent the weld from crystalizing and becoming brittle.

John

[ttype]

JonnyTIG
Fusion , as in no filler ?
Yes I tried that, welds look really nice , just didnt know it they would be strong enough to not crack down the road.


projectwelder
I was trying to move as fast as possible, as I read somewhere that if you overheat SS it burns the chrome out & turns the weld black.
Bead in pic has not been brushed yet, but definatly looks grey/black.
Does the color look OK ?


Am purging pipe with argon, It was nasty inside before ( my last post was about the sugaring inside pipe )

Thanks

[JonnyTIG]

Yes, no filler. As long as the back purge or flux supports the root well the weld will be as strong as the base metal. If the root falls too much, causing a concave face, then the strength could be comprimised, but for an exhaust system, I don't think cracking would be an issue. I've never had problems.

What kind of machine are you using to weld up the exhaust?

[ttype]

A syncrowave 200
Have not changed any of the settings, just using the default adjustments on the machine.

[Bert]

how fast is your argon coming out from your torch?

[ttype]

Have flow set at 25

[Bert]

cool...I guess just try what the other guys have mentioned...hmm...wonder if you are too heavy on the foot pedal?