I've got a very small amount of welding experience, learned how to arc weld when I was 13 but haven't welded since then.

I've got a crappy 110amp MIG at home to use, and I figured that I can probably make at least an exhaust for new turbo setup after a bit of practice. However what I do know is, my MIG is never going to lay down a good looking weld.

Just like everyone else here, I hate the look of an ugly weld under my hood. I was thinking about grinding the weld down and then ceramic coating the exhaust to A) make it retain heat and B) make it look better.

I'm not positive if this is a good idea... or heck, if it's even a bad idea. Any input would be great, and I'm here to learn, so a bit of an explanation as to why would be appreciated too.

Thanks!

 

probably crack.

i bet a good welder could make a decent bead with your machine. its all about practice and knowing what youre working with.

 

When you grind down a weld you are taking more material off on the weld itself, and you are introducing more heat to the area. Not good things for a weld.

 

Grinding the weld down is fine if the weld is properly done in the first place...Some welding blueprints even call for the weld to be ground down.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by k24em2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Grinding the weld down is fine if the weld is properly done in the first place...Some welding blueprints even call for the weld to be ground down.</TD></TR></TABLE>


yup. as long as the weld is penatrated right.

 

i mig welded up my very first turbo manifold then spent like the next two days grinding down on the welds, youll start with a air grinder, then work your way down to a belt sander, then some sand paper, and depending how picky you are, youll finish with a hand file. i then got mine ceramic coated, not one crack in two years

 

I was told as long as the weld penetrated well then there will be no problem..

 

exhaust wrap it.

functional and hides your/my ugly welds.

 

Isn't it agaist the rules to grind the welds on a roll cage?

 

he is talking about building an exhaust, not a roll cage.

but yes, you are correct, you cant grind down roll cage welds.

 

thanks just wanted to make sure...

and there must be a reason for that rule

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kelly. &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">exhaust wrap it.

functional and hides your/my ugly welds.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Ugh, exhaust wrap is even uglier.

How would I check for correct penetration? Is there something exact to look for?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SovXietday &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Ugh, exhaust wrap is even uglier.

How would I check for correct penetration? Is there something exact to look for?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well you can practice with the material you are going to be working with for your exhaust and weld small sections so you can see the inside and check for penetration or you can cut the welds apart and see.