Newbie, Advice Needed.

[MSD_Danny]

Hi Everyone,

Please bare with me here as i'm new to this forum

So Far so good, i've been lurking and reading quite a few posts and learning.

I picked up a arc welder, my initial intention was to fabricate a decat pipe for my vectra v6. now after what went better than expected. i'm interested in doing more

1) Basically i want to fabricate a full manifold system, and i've been examining the original downpipes and manifolds and think i could incorporate it into the original downpipe with minimal cutting and welding. obviously i will make a jig so every thing fits.

But at this point i'm finding it very difficult to find anywhere that supply’s laser cut manifold flanges for this engine.

So if anyone knows of any engineering shops that do one-off's (reasonably priced) i would be interested to know.

2) Are there any recommendations as to the rods i should use in the arc, as i'm unsure about welding, it's going to be constantly heated up and cooled down. i don’t want it to crack under the constant stress and heat.

i plan on using stainless steel.

Any input is good to me so fire away!!

 

[rtbcomp]

Welcome to the forum.

Have you tried a search on here? I'm sure this topic has been discussed before.

 

[JayRS4]

I`m sure someone else will say the same, but i wouldn`t have said arc was the way forward for exhaust type work, especially stainless. What machine have you got, you MIGHT be able to convert it to a scratch start TIG, which would be better.

As far as manifold flanges are concerned, Fin on here might be able to help you, i think he`s just set up his plasma in CNC format, although havent seen much of him lately. Failing that, just look for a decent exhaust fabricator, i`ve got a few round here, but the like of Powerflow or Longlife won`t be able to help.

Hope thats of some help. Jay

 

[MSD_Danny]

Cheers for the replies.

i've approached some exhaust fabricators before and most didnt seem interested in helping.

It's only a cheap ARC with variable power from 60-160amp cant remember the brand.
Would be ideal if i could convert it to scratch start TIG! more info if possible???

 

[JayRS4]

Sorry, crossed wire there, was assuming when you said arc in you first post you were referring to MMA/Stick. The MIG should do you fine, although it can`t be converted to TIG i`m afraid.

 

[MSD_Danny]

Sorry, crossed wire there, was assuming when you said arc in you first post you were referring to MMA/Stick. The MIG should do you fine, although it can`t be converted to TIG i`m afraid.

oop's, lol it is a ARC. i had MIG on the mind (was reading up about MIG)

it's Defo an ARC


Sorry. post edited.

 

[MSD_Danny]

ok, just come out of the garage and i aint going to bother with stainless steel! I've just had a go and it blows holes straight through! tryed mid steel and can weld 2m thick tube fine. so a change of plan. going to use mild steel.

 

[asg fabrications]

how you getting on with this as i am hoping to do this as well.

 

[fingers99]

No idea if anyone has flanges off the shelf for that car. You might try Farriday or OJZ -- both on t'interweb.

 

[asg fabrications]

try migweb for flanges theres always some selling them or someone with a cheap second hand manifold on there you can just cut the flange off,
i would be interested to know who can make flanges and that on here because ive got a few that need copying my self if anybody can give me some info on it?

 

[fingers99]

Like I say, farriday or OJZ. But anyone who will put up with you and has a water cutter will be able to do them. There really is no mystery.

 

[asg fabrications]

Like I say, farriday or OJZ. But anyone who will put up with you and has a water cutter will be able to do them. There really is no mystery.

ha ha very funny i never noticed ya said that was to busy doin somethink else