In the case of welding exhaust pipes, stick welding is not often advised. Now you must be thinking why would we use it if it is not even recommended. Or possibly you might think “Can you stick weld exhaust pipe?”
With all that being said, what if I tell you that you can get great results by effectively using stick welding?
Of course, there are many other ways to achieve the same thing. But you might not always find these methods at your hand. Now that you are looking to weld exhaust pipe and there is nothing you can think of. Now, what will you do?
You will look for an alternative way. Let’s find out what that is.
Contents
Is it possible to stick weld the exhaust pipe?
The exhaust pipe used in the engines of vehicles is essential for the departure of gases. It can get damaged frequently and you might experience leakage through it.
Now you are left with no other option except to change it. You might try to fix it not wanting to change it. But let me tell you that is not the efficient solution you are looking for.
MIG welding is most suitable when it comes to repairing exhaust pipes. But just in case, if this option is not available for you, you can certainly count on stick welding.
Does your exhaust pipe need welding or replacement?
Before deciding to weld, first, you have to check whether your pipe can weld or not. If the damage is too severe, then welding is not the solution you need. Then you will have to replace it. Welding can only be done if there is only a little damage.
Step by step guideline
Now coming towards how to stick weld exhaust pipe. It doesn’t cost lots of money and you don’t have to go to a workshop for doing this.
For stick welding the exhaust pipe, you will be needed some pieces of equipment. Here’s what you need:
- Exhaust pipe
- Safety goggles and protective gloves
- Welder
- Grinder
- C-clamps
- Chainsaw or hacksaw
Choosing the right rod for stick welding
Selecting which rod will go fine with exhaust pipes is very significant. Choosing the rod that matches all the requirements can guarantee strong and life-lasting welds.
Exhaust pipes are thin metal pipes. So the rod needed to weld them should have the ability to handle light metals. The Stick rods that are mostly recommended are 6011. They are light metal rods that are very suitable for welding exhausts.
Process of stick welding the exhaust pipe
We are not going to make it complex for you. There are only four simple steps required. If you follow them carefully, you will get your desired result.
Cutting the exhaust pipe
The first step is cutting the exhaust pipe according to exact measurements. If you are trying to fit two pipes into each other, then the estimation of size must be accurate.
The appearance of the pipe after welding depends on how you cut it. That is why cutting them in the right size is essential. You can either use a hacksaw or chainsaw for cutting it.
Second thing is to make sure to cut the pipe in a straight line. If there is some kind of bump on the surface, it can weaken the weld. So you must remove all uneven edges you find with the help of a grinder to make the surface smooth.
Clamping the pipes
The second step which comes after cutting is clamping the pipes together. For this purpose, C-clamps are the best solution. They can hold the pipes tightly making the welding process easy.
The placement of pipes is an important factor in this process. The position of pipes must be according to the way you want to weld them. Now you will get the expected outcome.
Spot welding
To get the best result, do not start welding all of a sudden. A small mistake can result in a damaged product.
It is advised to use spot welding first to weld the pipe before applying stick welding. Spot welding protects the thin tube from the intensity of the high temperature of welding.
Welding the exhaust pipe
Last and final step of stick welding the exhaust pipe is welding. After spot welding, your pipe is now ready to be welded. Before welding the tubing, you have to ensure that your whole tube is weld proof. If it is not, then the flames can burn the tube.
Now apply stick welding where required. Make sure to fill all the places properly without leaving any gaps. If done carelessly, it will result in a defective weld with no insurance of lifetime durability.
Conclusion
Exhaust pipes need a lot of care and are very sensitive to handle. To get strong welds using stick welding, the above-discussed steps must be followed. This way, we can guarantee you strong and durable welds.