The clamp vs weld (for stainless) approaches are interesting. If I had Johio available, or could find his like, I would use the welding method that he highly recommends. However, his like is not seen everyday, so the clamps have the advantages that Cees points out & also do not require the skill, patience & attention to detail that welding does. Every muffler shop guy I have access to gets a look on his face like he has seen a snake when I mention SS welding! -JP-