Purge Welding Stainless - Fabrication Series: 11

In part 11 of our Fabrication Series, we take a break from working with 4130 and focus on stainless. In racecar fabrication, stainless is commonly used for building components such as headers. Using argon to "purge" during the welding process can greatly enhance the performance and longevity of your stainless parts and tonight we'll focus on that technique.
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The information contained in this video is based on the opinion of Tim McAmis and his 30+ years in the motorsport and manufacturing industries. Any action you take based upon the content provided shall be done at your own risk. TMRC and its affiliates are not liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of this information.

[@200xcBruce]

If you use a wire wheel to clean make sure is SS wheel, having worked in food service welding SS purging we always poked a hole in the tape on the opposite end or when your in the last bit of weld, the pressure will blow your weld out and make it a mess. We also made sure to purge at 20 psi maximum.

[@dragonflyfab9703]

Even 20 psi is a lot! I'm at about 5cfh after I start.

[@rtjautomotive]

Thank you for doing this series of videos Novice like me really enjoys learning from the pros!!

[@Mightiflier]

A frustration is that every time I see an instruction video, I see the same thing over and over again about how not purging causes sugaring. The same point is hammered every time; but no one mentions how to create a leakless entry point on the supply side of the welded material. I have an argon hose, and other than using excess tape, how to you form a seal over the entry taped end. That is where an instructional video like this would create its worth: what the the secrets in the fine detail of how to make this work? The detail would set this video apart from all the others.

[@ca_deerhunter94smith92]

Purge plugs, this isn’t real purge welding though

[@shanemiller6947]

I'm telling the guy that makes these cups is amazing I wish I could help out in his shop he's just a hour away from my house I really need to be around theses kinda guys I really want to learn how to do this kinda work

[@Tino_YK4]

Great video I love your expiation step-by-step

[@dragonflyfab9703]

I have found using one flow meter with a 'Y' fitting does not work. When I changed to a 'Y' fitting before TWO flow meters things improved a lot!

[@Limeayy]

Great information Tim.

[@brendan3430]

Thanks Tim. Great information.

[@nguyenvankhien7266]

Why at cacbon steel we don't need N2 purge

[@damionrose3535]

Can nitrogen be used to purge stainless pipes?

[@ethiofutureshine]

can i use back purge for plates

[@tehghg9163]

Do you need purging on Low carbon grade?

[@formeitwastuesday.1515]

No but it does help.

[@ShowMeThePony]

You need to poke a hole(s) in the tape so the argon can push the oxygen out. Also, w/o the hole(s), when you get to the end of the weld, the argon pressure will blow the weld puddle out and make a mess. Oh, and watch your ground between the table and the pipe- notice the arcing when you were tacking it up.

[@MartinMcMartin]

And the 1st of today's anonymous engineering tutor's shows up .....

[@ShowMeThePony]

Martin McMartin I’m far from an engineer. Engineers don’t purge weld stainless tube/pipe. That said, none of what I wrote was incorrect. Nothing wrong with sharing some tips on the proper method. Tim is usually spot on, I love his videos, he just missed a few things on this one. No hate, just trying to help.

[@Skeetmgeett]

Showmethepony, spot on. That was exactly what I was gonna say regarding the venting. Also it would of been cool to talk about reducing purge pressure also to counter blow out. Sincerely anonymous engineering tutor #2

[@ShowMeThePony]

Skeetmgeett Yeah, the cfh you purge with is very critical as well. Even where you place the purge holes is critical. The other thing I was going to point out is that it’s good he mentioned the importance of prep and cleaning the tube, but then he goes on to rub his hands and finger oils all over the joint to be welded. I didn’t mention that before just because I knew the comments would come calling me a keyboard warrior. Oh well. It’s still true.

[@busancun]

If welding on real parts, better ground the part well enough to prevent burns on the parts that touches the table surface.

[@johnversluis3084]

Tim can you let us know the settings you are setting the welder up and amount of argon CF your running an filler size and what your using ER308 or ER309 ? Thanks

[@thisdj83]

John Versluis cfh on a tube this small can be set very low ( about 7chf) The best method to do this on any length tube is at the exit hole you want to be able to feel a faint breeze at about 6” inches away. The best way to feel for that is to lick the back of your hand and wave it in front of exit hole. You do it with the back of your hand or wrist because your skin is more sensitive and when whet you get a extra feel.

[@thisdj83]

Filler rod depending on your base metal, you use appropriate filler rod.

[@krazziee2000]

good info, thanks,,

[@Cmcmillen77]

Why do u leave the welding handle at the weld after you turn it off?

[@littlefrank5630]

To keep the weld shielded with the post flow

[@Champagne519]

Yeah^, the weld still needs to be protected from the atmosphere while it’s cooling

[@nopenope9411]

You should build a tube chassis super car kit for sts and giggles

[@jimmytibara1627]

Sir I have tungsten where To sell

[@jaylawler8289]

Lutz says what?

[@ernestw1]

bit confused as to why you would not make a hole in the tape to allow the gas to not build up pressure and blow out the weld, also sound of the torch sound like high frequency pulsing is on ??

[@Stevobee972]

Your not supposed to use welding rod, walk the cup and punch a hole on opposite end. It will blow a hole

[@artmiranda888]

Couple questions: What amperage are you running at? I believe I hear you're using pulse. Why do some people make a hole where you had it capped off.

[@thisdj83]

artmiranda888 the hole is for the gas to flow out. If it doesn’t have a exit point it will blowout the weld bead at the end. Amperage is set according to thickness and the speed your Abel to weld at.

[@Stevobee972]

What’s the purpose of purging ?? Your not using stainless in process Piping 😂

[@thisdj83]

Steven Benavides stainless needs to be purged if you get a full pen weld, if not you can get cracks from sugar. If it is not a full pen weld then no purge needed.