Welding - Stainless Steel (gasless) fluxcore wire .035 - muffler project

I decided to weld on my new muffler.  It was not very easy finding information on stainless steel (gasless) fluxcore MIG wire.  I finally found a source with some reasonable options for this small project.

http://www.use-enco.com/1/1/44828-308lfco-035-01-welders-choice-stainless-steel-gasless-mig-welding-wire.html

These folks did a nice job; delivery was prompt and hassle free.  The selection and cost seemed reasonable for such a small quantity of wire.

I am pretty new to welding and am self-taught so this was an interesting project overall.  My impression is that the wire could work pretty well with the right setup.  I didn't really have a good way to dial in the best settings and I think my stab at the setup was a bit on the low side.  I ran settings which were about the same as for plain fluxcore wire of the same size.  I was trying to be somewhat careful because I had to run an extension cord to the welder and I was only running off 110v since I have yet to install a 220v outlet. 

For prep, I did run a wire wheel and grinder over the area on the old exhaust where I would be joining the pieces.  I cleaned the new exhaust and some of the connector pieces with some acetone to get rid of the oil/grease/etc residue.  Left plenty of time for the vapors to clear. 

For the actual welding, I ended up laying down a very thick bead and it may have been a bit on the cold side (as a followup, this was true on another stainless project I tried - I think installing the 220v outlet would be wise if doing much of this).  It was hard to tell how much was wire/setup versus lack of skill since I did most of this laying under the truck which probably isn't the best thing to do as a new welder.  I have a lot more respect for folks who do this kind of work - regardless of their skill level.  It certainly was taxing physically and mentally in the heat with the safety gear.

Note: I did put a welding blanket over the gas tank though - better safe than sorry.  I also covered myself with it at times as well.  The blanket was in addition to my welding jacket and leather smock.  Be careful with the welding helmet on; peripheral vision is minimal and I head butted the rotor a good number of times.

Someday I hope to have a garage with a small vehicle lift; projects like this would be more enjoyable that way.  It was still a good learning experience though.

Hope this inspires someone to try something new.  Learn from the experience but be content even if the result isn't perfect.