Mandrel bent exhaust project.

[Lundgren417]

Hello,

Since this is my first post on the forum i will make a proper introduction.

My name is Justin and I am an avid enthusiast to all things automotive. I recently put together my welding setup for GMAW using C25 and look forward to finally finishing the exhaust in my Mazda. I am a Designer for a Pressure Vessel company so i know the theory and see examples of proper welding all the time. I have worked in metal fabrication shops off and on for about ten years. I started my welding equipment purchase off with a Millermatic 140 W/Autoset for my garage since i have no access to 220v service and an Auto-darkening helmet. I look forward to being an active member during my transition from noob to veteran. At this time my goal is to get quite used to GMAW and transition into GTAW in the future. I am fascinated by tig welding but couldn't afford the 3k for a Dynasty 200DX. So far this is what my setup looks like.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

This is what im working on as of now.



Uploaded with ImageShack.usUploaded with

I will post more pictures as i progress and build the 3" exhaust system, and modify the car for drag racing at the local speedway.

[nocheepgas]

Welcome to the forum. There are lots of very knowledgable folks here willing to help out, and occasionally some drama

You might want to increase the size of your images from the image shack to make them easier to see.

[Vayne]

What size bottle do you have?

[Lundgren417]

What size bottle do you have?

Its an 80.

[Donald Branscom]

Congratulations getting a start with welding.
Muffler shops use MIG (GMAW) all the time on exhaust systems, but of coarse the weld is under the car and will not be seen.

To get a smooth, nice looking weld without a lot of metal build up, will require TIG.

[Daniel]

Congrats on your venture. Looking forwards in seeing your projects.
Could you explain why you are using C25 for your mild steel exhaust system.

[Lundgren417]

Just because i like the overall penetration of C25 vs pure CO2. I plan to fix a few other things on the car and make a set of lower tie bars. I also plan make a sch 40 pipe roll cage.

[nocheepgas]

I also plan make a sch 40 pipe roll cage.

Don't, I repeat DON'T use pipe for a rollcage. Pipe is designed to do one thing, convey gas and fluids! It is NOT to be used for anything structural. Use ERW tubing or DOM tubing, but not pipe!