Pipe building tools.

[jaden]

Hi guys, I have a decent shop set up in my garage and im just about at the point where i need to decide what kind of work i want to get into. I was looking at pipe fabrication becuase it seems like the most cost affective route. Just wondering what equiptment i will need for something like that.

I already have:

miller diversion 180 TIG
miller 375 plasma
millermatic 175 MIG
King 7" x 12" band saw
King drill press
Dewalt chop saw and cordless/corded drills and 4 1/2" grinder
30 Tonne shop press.
60 Gallon air compressor

I have been making some custom performance parts but the cost upfront is killing me and im not really making a lot on them. Also my aluminum TIG is just run of the mill and guys are really expecting high quality welds when doing performance parts.

Selling a lot of stuff on ebay right now so im thinking thats where most of my business is going to come from

Thoughts on equiptment or ideas for me?

thanks

[jaden]

Also if i was to build pipes for transport trucks/custom turbo applications where would i get the dimentions? would i be able to get some sort of drawings for them or would i have to buy pipes and build jigs for them?

[mikesystem]

Also if i was to build pipes for transport trucks/custom turbo applications where would i get the dimentions? would i be able to get some sort of drawings for them or would i have to buy pipes and build jigs for them?

What are building ???

[weldonwelding]

How long have you been a pipe fitter/welder?

[MMW]

As I understand it you would get a customers truck & work off that to make a prototype. Make a jig from that for future orders.

If your going to be doing at lot of headers & exhaust/intake piping then a good quality belt sander is a good idea.

[jaden]

As I understand it you would get a customers truck & work off that to make a prototype. Make a jig from that for future orders.

If your going to be doing at lot of headers & exhaust/intake piping then a good quality belt sander is a good idea.

I already have a half decent belt sander i forgot that on my list. I was wondering more about mandrel benders or a Huth pipe expander or baileigh bead roller

[mikesystem]

I already have a half decent belt sander i forgot that on my list. I was wondering more about mandrel benders or a Huth pipe expander or baileigh bead roller

i do lot of custom s.s exhaust I got benders and as for mandrel benders u will never make it work getting in to that kinda stuff is not as easy as one thinks since u can buy a full mandrel exhaust system from manga flow or solo or flow master for less then u can make it for just save your money unless u got a shop with a few hoists and a crush / push bender u can make some coin if I can figure out how to post pics I will post a few jobs just might give u some light

[jaden]

so what tools should i be looking to add? im sure i can make due with elbows on jsut about anything so just a pipe expander and a bead roller?

[mikesystem]

If your Doing exhaust yes u well need a expander for your pipe u kinda lost me on what u need a bead roller for ?

[mikesystem]

Also everything I do is one solid piece of stainless steel tubing only joints are in and out of muffler or cats