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It looks like the 185 is a 60-195Amp machine, so the 135amp range is divided into 6 settings on the upper dial, which should make #1 on the dial is 60amps, #6 195amps, and #2-5 likely 25-30amp increments. The lower dial numbers are how many inches of wire is being fed per minute. The...

Given the cost of $15-20k for a base level unit, not a Chinese knock-off, they seem a bit pricey for a hobby unit. You would probably be better off getting a multi-process welder. https://store.cyberweld.com/collections/multiprocess-welders If the sheetmetal is very thin, brazing is also an option.

As long as you grind the galvanized coating far enough back so it doesn't off gas from the heat, that would be fine. What kind of damage are you trying to fix on the boat trailer?

If you can set up something as a wind block, you could give MIG a go outside, however due to welding galvanized, I would use fluxcore, so you can use a small fan to blow/draw the fumes away.

.035 is a bit big for 1.3mm, .030 would be a better choice. With as thin of material you are dealing with, with whichever wire you go with, you will want to stitch weld the material, a continuous bead will generate too much heat

By "slasher" I believe he means a machete type of blade, like you see the bad guy use in slasher movies.

If you feel the vise isn't up to the task, I found this DYI jig online, which might be more useful. With a jig like this, you might be able to use the heat from a bead of weld on the back side of the blade to relax the bend enough to make the blade useful again.

Since you have a welder and a vice, I would weld up a jig to use in the vice. I would take some angle iron, like 8cmx8cm given the depth of the blade, and cut three 3cm sections, then cut some 1cm round stock into 3cm sections and weld it to the angle iron. Place two on one side of the vice...

Might try a welding supply store like cyberweld.com over Amazon. https://store.cyberweld.com/gosagl.html

That link is from Amazon, must not have copied it all. I just used "pilot arc plasma cutter", then selected max price. Though for a little more this one from Firepower fp-35i plasma cutter, might be a better option, it is listed on Cyberweld.com for $569 on sale...

Outside of finding a brand name used, being given away, I think your only option is to roll the dice on one of these with an extended protection plan, and keep returning them until you get one that works...

With the machine being 240 only, you can't convert it to run on 120, however, you could combine two separate 120 circuits together and create one 240 outlet with something like this...

Hobarts, at least the older models are durable, my Handler 125 is nearly 20yrs old, and after a few 100 lbs of flux core run through it, the fan is the only thing that is need of being replaced. I also have the 210 MVP and it has been issue free for the last 9yrs. For spray arc, I would opt...

You wouldn't need the concrete an 1" thick, concrete overlays are about 1/2" and tiles are about 1/3" thick, so your additional weight to the floor would be anywhere between 4-6.25lbs per sq. ft depending on which way you went. If your shop's floor floor joists are 2x8 on 16" centers, it would...

Whatever the A snatch block will double the pulling capacity of the winch.

One of these will block the light from above and behind you. https://www.harrisweldingsupplies.com/lincoln-helmet-extended-fr-cotton-headcover-with-press-fit-seal-kp4789-1/?sku=KP4789-1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi8KfBhCuARIsADp-A55DDsy4Wwia-UldWExu7ZmF-4esiLkApptc-yPXjP4IOzisYVdpItQaAgcuEALw_wcB...

If you have an air compressor already, I would go with a 120/240 unit, the thermal dynamics cutmaster 40 is a 120/240vlt.

Spent years cutting metal by blade or cutoff wheel, nothing beats a plasma. If you don't plan on working with anything more than .125 plate, the 120vlt plasma cutter with a built in compressor, like the Hobart Airforce 12ci will work well enough. I started with the Airforce 12, but then added...

If you have a local community college, taking a beginners class there would be your best bet, that way you get he basics and have someone to inspect your welds. Otherwise as lancem mentioned starting with a mig would likely be the easiest. It is a skill set that has plenty of non-commercial...

Right now, $1-2/pound should be about right for drop plate, though if you call around or swing by some of the welding shops in your area, you might find one giving it away, if they don't have the room to store it.

I would only paint the walls if you need it to be brighter inside.

Wire speed is definitely too high, not only does metal thickness and heat setting determines wire speed, but so does the welder's hand speed, when you attempt to reweld, drop it down to around 30, might practice a little on some same sized scrap before rewelding the bracket back on. Also make...

Might check/replace the low oil pressure shutdown switch, my generator(for power outages) started doing something similar about two years ago.

I have never had to contact them, but have been buying from them for a few years now, mainly consumables and magnets, and two years ago bought my Thermal Dynamics plasma cutter from them.

Might look for a helmet brand with headgear like this for a better fit, https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Electric-KP4470-1-VIKING-Headgear/dp/B07VF9CKT5/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=welding+helmet+headgear+replacement&qid=1632866467&sr=8-10 Or, that you can replace with it.

If you come across this issue again, try using a ratchet strap around the center of the tire, it will force the tire sidewall out towards the rim. This is how we reseat a blown bead on a 4wd trail rig that won't seat under the low volume onboard air systems we use.

The tables here might help https://www.bullmoosetube.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HSS_Beam_Load_Tables.pdf

A couple of new creations. After being quoted $20/tire to have tires dismounted for my trailer project, and needing at least 8-12 done in total, I decided I could likely build my own bead breaker/tire remover. In the past I used a bottle jack under a drop hitch, which works fine when in the...

The one local shop that does walk-in, has been around for over 60yrs, everything including the land is paid for, their hourly rates for projects is $150, but they charge far by the piece for walk-in repairs, because they can afford too. When I have been in there buying material, I have heard...

As far as I can tell, with them and other low priced units, it is a hit and miss as to what you get in both ability and longevity due to the quality of electronics used at the time the unit you get was being assembled. You might get lucky and have no issue with it, like you have experienced with...

Pretty much what California mentioned on grinders, the HF one will likely work well enough for now with you just getting started. For magnetic clamps, avoid the cheap ones, nothing more annoying then having them fall off during set-up due to their hold not being stronger than gravity. For an...

If $4-600 is your price range I wouldn't waste your money or time with any of the Chinese welders, you can get a the Hobart 100 Handler(flux only) or the Handler 125(MIG/flux), for between $3-400, and currently the 100 is on sale at cyberweld.com for $239. While I can't comment on the current...

While not having experience with the HF machine, based on what you have, you will want to use .030 wire, low setting, likely start on speed 5, and adjust the speed up/down from there. To keep from burning through the tube, start your butt weld on the on the solid side of the tube and bring it...

Nice work, when you posted, I thought you were just making a work table. With what you were going to use the table for, not making a metal frame, was the right choice, I think the metal would have looked out of place with the rough sawn lumber used.

With a wire welder, when heat & speed settings are correct for the thickness of the steel you are welding, you should hear a sizzle sound, like cooking bacon, however MIG will be more of a constant sizzle while Flux will be a little more erratic, especially with cheaper quality wire. For body...

What is the twist with both ends free, 1/2", 1"? With the relief cuts, do both ends still pull up 1/2", or just one end? Is it a gradual twist through the length of the boards or sharp? If it were me, I would glue the planks together making it a solid bench top, using 1" dowels along the...

Made some progress over the winter. Stake pocket with ramp mounts Rear with inset license plate and break/tail lights. Used the original trailer bumper to house the license plate/light and tale/break lights. I designed it to be removable, one to be able to easily access the license plate...

For what you had to work with, it turned out ok, more importantly it functions as you wanted it too. JD2 makes a hood product, a couple guts I know in the wheeling hobby had the Model 3. While you don't need the tip now that you have the bender, the key to preventing tube from collapsing when...

If it were me, I would bevel both sides of the plates, tack weld one side, flip it and weld up the seam using 4-6" stitch welds, flip it back over and weld up the first side.

My sister lives NW of Huston, her boss told them Friday they would be closed Monday due to the expected snow/icy roads, she said she thought she left that behind when she moved from NY.

That is the problem with so many of them, especially those that seek politics having failed in their careers in the private sector. Whether or not Jefferson stated it, or some other Founder, or simply made up by someone else, the quote "When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When...

In my area of CA, we get all 4 seasons, we just don't salt/brine our roads for ice, when we do, it just the bridges, so unlike those areas that do, whatever rust we get here is limited to just that caused from rain water, or a leaking battery. There are areas that are wanting to use salt over...

Here is one done as a grill.

Has to be the difference between CA rust and the rust you get.

Yes, Prop 13 wasn't the best fix, but given local assessors treating property like money trees, and abusing their ability to do so, the people reacted, and Prop 13 was the result. Sure, to new buyers it seems unfair, but in reality it isn't, the older owners have been paying taxes much longer...

When I was working as a journeyman carpenter in the late '80's/early '90's, retirees from SoCal were the whale clients, they usually had $3-400k cash to build their dream homes with, and most seemed determined to spend it all.

I have had good luck with them with rusted or crossed threaded nuts on automotive or trailer suspension components.

Yep, rims work well, we use half of split rim for a portable campfire pit.

Would guess something like Lincoln's Port-a-Torch kit, I have the Bernzomatic Cutting/Welding/Brazing Torch Kit, and can rarely get the flame right. when I do, the heat just isn't there. If not looking at wanting to spend $300 on a mini oxy kit, you might consider trying just MAP gas...

Haven't tried the CRC stuff yet, have been using PB Blaster for years now, and have had pretty good luck with it freeing up rusty bolts.

That is what I asked, but they want to be within 2 hours drive time, and plan to move to my area which would put them about an hours drive from the furthest grandkids, and bout the same time from the airport to fly to the east Coast to see the ones in Maryland. They have been planning for this...

Yes, it keeps local governments from taxing you out of your home when you retire, and the Democrats have been trying to repeal or work around for the last 42yrs, and just tried to repeal the commercial part of it last fall, fortunately it failed, but I am sure they will go after it again in...

That is why my Sister and Brother-in-law are moving from MN to CA this September when he retires. He grew up there, and after retiring from the Airforce in '94 returned, guess 27yrs later, the winters have gotten to him, especially after visiting Cali in December/January. Asked if they were...

This one has a better design, but I think they are more for ambiance than a source of outdoor warmth.

Might consider something adjustable, similar to an adjustable drop hitch, using a section of tube w/the ball attached to a sleeve. Aligning the hitch should be easy enough by welding tab onto the top edge of the box, to line up with the trailer.

OK, a little more clear. What is the maximum table height? If you start with the frame being on the ground, or just an inch or two off of it when being used as a table, would you have enough clearance for tool boxes under the table, with the taller items like the bobcat located at either end...

Not sure I follow your plans, are you wanting to use the 8x10 trailer deck as a table on casters that you can move around the shop space, then be able to load tool boxes, welder/generator, comp, etc., to use as a portable welding/work station? It seems to me, due to the frame, decking, axle...

About 3.25" of clearance, which gives me about an 1" of clearance under full compression of the spring.

I originally picked up the frame and about 80' of 3"x2" angle iron f\or free about 8yrs ago with plans to turn it into a car hauler for project vehicles, however, when I looked into to wider axles for it, I was told that the 4" C channel frame rails were under the minimum recommended height of...

The pressure switch on my air compressor failed Friday, so while waiting for a new one to arrive, I decided to service it, clean off 25yrs of oil soaked dirt, and finally get around to changing out the drain/release valve that was becoming a PITA to open and close anymore. Figured since it...

Should be fine, even when welding directly on it, the 1/4" plate should absorb most of the heat before it can be transferred to the wood below

Typical liberal idiocy of thinking in a vacuum, i.e., oil burns dirty, propane burns clean, therefore propane is a better, never mind how long propane needs to burn to produce the same result. It is the same here in CA, where they add a bunch of crap to the gas to make it burn cleaner, yet you...

Fortunately in over regulated Cali, a burn permit is the easiest thing to get, it can be done over your smart phone and is free. O the other hand, if you want to build a new home, you are looking at about $60k in permits, fees, and taxes.

That is my understanding as well, while it is spool, it is designed for brazing and soldering, not arc welding, and the claims otherwise are false. Like this add here Gasless Flux-Cored Mig Welding Wire Aluminum Magnesium Alloy ER5356, when you look up just ER5356, you come up with it being...

I didn't start with them, just acquired them over the last 16yrs or so. When I started fabricating, all I had was my skillsaw from my carpentry days and a bench grinder. I built many a plate bumpers, rock sliders, and gear racks for off road trucks with just those two tools, then picked up the...

Depends on the gauge. For up to 14 gauge, I preferred to use a shear or nibbler. For anything thicker, used to use a cut-off wheel for short sections, or my circular saw(worm gear skillsaw) for long sections, however, now I use my plasmas due to being quicker.

Living in over regulated CA, you need a permit for just about everything when it comes any property issues, and utility permits are the most expensive. In my area of CA, building new in CA, can set you back about $60k or more in permits and fees.

You would think that the tech would have tested out the machine at all amp levels for each of the machine's processes, before calling you or sending it back.

I wish property clean-up was just for winter around here, between seasonal oak, live oak, redwood, and pine trees, yard clean-up is year round. I think so far this year, I have raked and hauled about 20 cubic yards worth to where I process it all into mulch with the endless supply of manure...

If you use Idaho energy logs, there is little issue with waking up to a cold house. With 2 and a piece of oak, I can get about a 10-12 hour burn, with coals hot enough to ignite new logs when added. I went to them over using oak and pine about 25yrs ago, they burn cleaner with less ash. and...

You can find Miller/Hobart, Lincoln, and other shade level 8-13 helmets on sake here starting out at about $70. https://store.cyberweld.com/ True color lenses block the harmful wave lengths of light allowing you a clearer view while welding, rather than the green look you get with traditional...

The specs state an independent front, w/a Dana 44 rear axle.

Yah, for $25, it was worth t only The risk, and with 3yrs if use it has certainly paid off. For me with HF tools, I wont spend anything more than about $50 with their coupons, figure at that price if they are disposable, which has been my experience with those that I bought there or been given...

The issue with the theoretical specs, is that the cheaper stuff is manufactured by the Chinese, and not just in China. Due to their lack of quality control in the components used by the Chinese owned manufacturing facilities, it is a crap shoot of what you get, which why some have no issues...

It is my understanding that they are made from scrap steel, with most of it being from railroad tracks, which is high carbon, which is why they are not that friendly for metal work, i.e., a pain to drill holes through it and issues with failing welds or material around the weld. As far as my...

If you don't have the scrap already, drop plate fro, a steel shop should be cheaper than buying new at a store like HD. Another option would be look for a bed frame on craigslist, in my area they usually run free-$20. While the steel used isn't angle iron, it should be plenty strong for what...

You should be able to build one cheaper than the $50 that HF sells for an ATV, and likely have one much more durable. I made this one for about $20 back in the late '90's before I knew how to weld. It was made out of a piece of 2" square tube and flat plate for the base, and framing diagonal...

For small stuff like that, I like to use glazing putty, no mixing, no issue with it curing faster than you can apply it, and easy to sand.

You could sandwich the balusters between 2"x2"x8' wood strips screwed together. If needed a couple of diagonal braces should keep everything in place during removal and installation.

With your bead, it helps to keep a rhythm count in your head, as you move the the tip back and forth, and make sure to drag not push the bead. If you didn't buy anti-spatter spray, cooking spray, like PAM, will do the same thing. To help with glare while welding outside, you need something...

I would use 1,5x1.5x .125", maybe 2x2 angle iron for the door frame, with 1"x1"x.125 angle iron for cross members every 16", with studs welded to the tops side of the 1" angle iron that 2"x2" wood strips of wood would bolt to which the deck boards would screw down to. For sheeting the the door...

$4500 seems a bit high for 10yr old machines, their new counterparts would set you back about $7k, compared to the cost of new, $3500 for all of it would be a fair price. According to the specs for the new version of the 350, it is DC only, so if the old ones are the same, you can't TIG weld...

While burn through is usually caused by excessive heat, thicker wire than needed, poor quality steel, and slow hand speed will also cause burn through. With your hand speed being fixed, I was thinking a little higher voltage setting would keep your puddle hotter a little longer allowing you to...

Meant this distance With the front section, how much tube slides into the stand, is there enough to slide out allowing you to rotate the engine?

Will the distance between the engine mount and stand clear the larger outboards you will be working on?

Might try increasing the voltage and dialing back the wire speed, and see if you can find a fit for your hand speed.

How you went about it was wise, overbuilding is better than under building, and have it fail damaging an engine or you, A lot of people new to metal work tend to go with thicker material then needed, until they get an idea of how structurally strong the thin stuff actually is.

By stitch weld I mean just a short weld, 1" or so, over a continuous weld. You stated you have a slow hand speed, I was thinking that if the puddle build-up was just with continuous welds, your hand speed may be the issue. Does your beads kind of look like this? How are you welding, dragging...

Do you get the same puddle size issue with stitch welds, or just continuous? If both, might try a lower speed than the door chart recommends.

.045 will likely increase the chance of warping the surrounding material, with that machine, .035 should weld up to 3/8's. With edge beveling, you likely wont need anything more than .030 for any 1/4" repairs with lawn furniture.

If it is stable with your weight on it, and just flexes, you likely don't need the front section, for your regular planned use. if all you are using it for is to transfer an engine to and from the stand, you aren't exposing the steel post to a shock load or fatiguing it from prolonged stress to...

What gauge is the rear tube? Did you try hanging your weigh on it at this stage?

Yah, wasn't sure if by "design will have the outboard turn 90° to load onto the engine stand ", you were going to mount the engine to the stand, or just to center the weight to move the stand.

If you have the material, turning the stand into a cherry picker might be more useful. Something like this, would allow you to slide the hoist over the engine on a boat on its trailer, in the back of a truck, trailer, cart, or bench, etc. and not need for the hoist to pivot. With the suspension...

Where is the hoist going to go, forward of the new leg, or between the new lag and the original engine mount?

Not really needed now, with a new 20 amp breaker, it had no issue cutting 2" of 1/2" steel plate. Due to the garage being ran as just a 110 system, I can't combine two circuits, and I don't think I can get a fish tape through the line and pull another wire through it. Trenching and running a...

For the plasma cutter the adapters all plug into each other,, have to use both adapters to run 110, or just the one for 120. This is the difference between the plugs. That is what I was originally thinking about going with for an outlet, and then just convert my cart's extension cord to to...

Yes, seems like they were a bit of an after thought, the one from 220 to 120 is an actual cord about 2' long, the one from 120 to 110, just slips on the end like a 3 prong to 2 110 adapter does. With my Hobart MVP, you just screw on whatever end you need to power cord.

It is a 110/220, that has two adapters, one converts the plug to 20amp plug, and an additional plugs into that one that converts it down to a 15 amp.

No, don't have an available outlet for it in either my garage or barn where I usually plug into. In order to have one, I would have to change out the panels in either the barn or the garage, or install an outlet on the pole and run an extension cord. Both are doable, just not really needed...

That is what I kind of figured I was dealing with the dial and digital readout, and how it wouldn't stay lit when I had the dial set at 20 amps, and was on a 15 amp breaker. When I dialed it down to 15, it worked similar to the Hobart Airforce on the .250 material, I wasn't too impressed. Then...

Just checked my Hoabarts, and they are 24, which is why I had issues with both.

External, the cost and extras made it the wiser buy, and being 110/220, it is more convenient, The reviews were not that great on the Lincoln, it sounded like it had a small tank that you needed to let prime before using it, not direct like with the Hobart Airforce 12 I have. Also. it looks...

I made the castors out of some .125 plate, the ones available at HF were about 3 times the price at the time. Pretty much if I can build something I will, even if it takes longer to build it then to buy it and put it to use, like the castors

Building permits are love-hate issue, they are good to prevent the situation of your one neighbors, but due to the local governments seeing them as a source of revenue, the costs involved make people build without them. In my county, you are already $1200 in the hole for a any non residential...

This is what I find so annoying, it is a fricking lawnmower, you don't need to reinvent the wheel with each new generation.

Good to hear. I knew I had had issues with the length as well as not threading easily must have been two separate issues. The long ones were likely the Lincoln ones, that I picked up from Home Depot figuring the tips were all the same.

Yes, when filled with right psi, they roll nicely, even in packed gravel they don't dig like casters do. Bought mine at HF when they were on sale, IIRC, they were like $4 each with a coupon, bought about 10 of them at time. What is ridiculous is a couple of the inner tubes have rotted away...

Yep, tried to tell my Sister they didn't want to live in one, when that is all they could find, in Cypress. She said the agent looked at them like they were aliens when she asked to be shown houses not in an HOA. My BIL didn't want to commute, and has to live with his choice for the next few...

Thanks, I do all my metal fab outside, and rather than have a couple of carts, I decided to build one that holds everything with its own set of outlets, that way I only needed one extension cord for it all. It is a bit on the heavy side, but not too bad to push around.

Is the thread pitch the same? If so, and you have a die set with the correct die, you might see if there is enough material to recut the threads, if they wont work for your friend.

Kind of thought that might be it, can you get a MIG nozzle for the Titanium? If you can't, the Hobart Handler and MVP guns have a 9/16" diameter where the MIG nozzle sits..

From what I have experienced, many under 40 and most under 30, have little to no desire to bother learning how to use most tools, let alone get their hands dirty using them. A member on another board was complaining about how he was helping his grandfather out, and whatever power tool they...

I like to say, " if creativity is the mother of invention", "poverty is the mother of creativity".

Between the size of most city and suburb lots, and HHA's that dominate most suburban developments over the last 30yrs, you kind of have too if you want to do much of anything that makes noise. The one in TX that my sister just moved into, you basically can't have your garage door open, other...

By arching, do you mean fusing the tip to your material, or actual energy arching from the tip to the material?

The ceramic spray is likely the best option, supposedly it lasts up to 6 hours. You could send the mig nozzles out and have them ceramic coated like headers, not sure how it would hold up on such a small surface.

Just got my Thermal Dynamics 40 plasma cutter delivered Friday, and since I built my current cart to hold my Hobart equipment, it wouldn't fit in either of the two smaller Hobart bays, fortunately there was room for it above my 210. Bent up some scrap EMT to hold the new cutter and used woven...

Not sure if they make one, but you can get FCAW nozzles, HF carries a set of the flux core nozzles, if those wont fit, might look into the ma]or brands...

Then these should work for you. I though they were all the same length, but two were about an 1/8 longer than the other 6. You should have them around Tuesday.

Not sure, they are the same diameter as my Hobart, about 3/16ths, they just don't screw in all the way, unlike the Hobart ones do,

Decided to go with the Thermal Dynamics, package and price was too good to not too. Will see how it performs in the next few days as I get started on another trailer project.

Have 8 new ones, Item #95645 by Chicago Electric, Anyone want them?

Yes, it will work fine, here is Hobart's spec for the 140 Here is the manual in PDF form, page 15 is where the pic is from. https://www.hobartwelders.com/files/owners-manuals/O925C_HOB.pdf

Maybe split the "Project" section into "Current" and "Previous".

Thanks for the info, kind of thought it might be a pilot arc but hadn't found anything confirming it like I had with the Hobart 40i. This was the model I was looking at. https://store.cyberweld.com/thermal-dynamics-cutmaster-40-1-4000-1.html

Are all the SL line of torches the same, the one I am looking at comes with an SL60 torch? Do the Cutmasters ignite in the tip, or on contact?

I have an 8cfm@90psi compressor already for use in my garage and paint booth, it just isn't portable, and I would not have a use for a portable one, which is why I was considering the tomahawck due to it being able to run on both its own comp. as well as an external comp. Also, at 40lbs it isn't...

Any experience? I have a Hobart AirForce 12 plasma cutter, but would like something a little more suited for cutting thicker material, and like that it works for expanded steel as well. I would just go with a larger Hobart, but neither the 27 or 40 have an internal compressor, which means I...

They make slim respirators that work for most with their hoods, you can find them on most welding supply sites, like cyberweld.com, but right now pickings ars slim due to covid-19. If there is a good breeze, and the fumes(smoke) moves away from you, it should be good enough. I like to use a...

This month's contest gave me a good reason to finally getting around to building a stand for the electric post drill press my great grandfather made sometime in the late 1920’s or in the 1930's. I found it in the basement of my Father's house after he passed, but never seen it growing up, nor...

For me, my 2x cheater lens works like a magnifying glass, and while works great when I drop the hood for welding, I wouldn't want to flip the hood to grind and try grinding through it, too much head movement with it on and I get dizzy.

Happy too, I got into welding to build stuff for off-road use, and have found in that hobby that many builders go much thicker steel plate and tube than needed, and end up with stuff weighing hundreds of pounds more than they need to. Before you buy your steel, call some of the local fab shops...

Here are two videos by Lincoln that might help, Flux-Cored-FCAW-S Troubleshooting MIG-GMAW Troubleshooting

Yes, heat and water is one way of straightening out steel. Might even be useful in getting the tooth bar back out from the slight shrinkage that will occur from the cooling the steel down.

While this isn’t a drill press I use, I thought some of you might find it interesting, due to it being home built at time when they may not have been available or affordable for the average guy to buy. It was built by my great grandfather who was a carpenter/plumber by trade after a short...

Guess the brake drum puller was a little more than I remember.

Most of the tools I make tend to be a one-off use, and either get recycled or given to a friend. The only stuff i have currentyly are these two crude crankshaft holding bars, and T-Post driver. The T-post driver gets used often, so it had to be a little more finished. I have a brake drum...

If the sculpture itself is the box, 3/16 would be overkill. 3/16 plate weighs about 7.5lbs per sq, ft, and based on the dimensions you gave, if it has ends, it will be north of 150lbs. Depending on what/where it will be being displayed, you might consider using.095 or .125 1" tube or angle...

Nice press, have always planned to build one, just haven't collected enough free steel yet, same with a gantry I could use.

Ah, the nemesis that tends to ruin most of a man's plans, that his wife hasn't already said no too.lol I would like to build about a 10k sq ft shop split into three work areas and a clean room, but fortunately, the layout of my property and slope of the land would make a shop that size a PITA...

Sounds like you could use your own industrial park, like me.lol

Learning to weld and buying a machine, is one of those skills and purchases that will pay you back in dividends, just making repairs to equipement you have, or welding up a few exhaust systems on your vehicles, will more than pay for your investment, let alone fabricating tools you can't buy or...

Flux wire throws a lot of sparks/spatter, and produces a lot of smoke, it is designed for outdoor use. You can reduce the spatter some by using nozzle gel/spray and adjusting the ampergae a little, but if you are welding indoors with it, you should be running gas, very little sparks/spatter...

IME, that is just a poor design. I got an older set along with a bunch of other stands and ramps about ten years ago, and used them just once. Was rebuilding a set of leaf springs, had my regular stands supporting the truck, and using these on the axle. Chasing a nut under the truck, I kicked...

Rural on acreage as well. Not as remote now as when growing up, I have have neighbors I can see, but not close enough to be an issue wih noise.

Are these the only mounting points you used? What keeps the 3/8" stock from twisting under use?

While worm gears do have a twist on start up, from slight to severe, it shouldn't be an issue, just use a speed square as a guide ahead of time, or clamp down a guide for a prescision cuts longer than the handheld square. What kind of lifespan do you get out of the Diablo demon blades, do they...

If you can get metal cutting blades for your Bosch, either abrassive or non-abrasive, it should work, and with some guides should give you precise enough cuts, however, if you are going to be doing repetitive cuts, a metal chop saw would be a better choice.

A welding cart would be a good project, it would give you a range of materials and welds to practice on. I have yet to get around to using my spool gun, have plans for it, and the aluminum, wire, gas, just haven't had the time.

Ah man, you just killed the deal of the decade I thought I got on assorted rolls of 2lbs wire last Fall. The sign on the box said .025 & .030 flux core $10/ea(usually pay around $20), there was about 10-15 rolls in it, so I grabbed all of it for my 110 vlt machine. Your post made me go look...

Might pick up a 2lb roll of 0.025 flux wire and see if that doesn't work better for you, .030 can work, but IME you have to be dialed in with the machine and your hand speed,

You might find what you need here, https://store.cyberweld.com/autdarwelhel.html, there are quite a few helmest for $100 and less, from ESAB, Hobart, Miler, Lincon, etc., you can also get units that accept magniftying lenses, if that would help with your eyesight issue.

Does your helmet have a removable lens unit?

Grinder with a cut-off wheel, or metal chop saw, would be the cheapest. If you have a circular saw, you can get a metal cutting blade for them, like for the grinder, but unless it is a worm gear driven saw, or you are left handed, it would be best to stick with a grinder or chop saw. If money...

Before buying a stick, I would swap in a the 0,35 wire, bevel the edges of some 1/4" practice material, and see how the HF machine does, it might work for what you need, plan, for it to do.

What gauge wire were using, and what thickness of metal were you trying to weld for your son? Did you prep the edges or just try to weld them together?

X2. Here is link to the Handler 125's manual, voltage curve for the 4 settings is on page 14, the Weld Parameter Chart is on pages 20-21. https://www.hobartwelders.com/files/owners-manuals/O947B_HOB.pdf

Personally, if $500 or less is what you are wanting to spend, I would go with a Hobart Handler 125 $369.99, or if you want to do little more, go with the Hobart Handler 140 $499.99. The problem that I have seen with the HF/cheaper "other" brands from members in the offroad community, is that...

If you don't have the manual, here is a link to the PDF file for your Handler 140 https://www.hobartwelders.com/files/owners-manuals/O925C_HOB.pdf

Might try using a kevlar belt until you upgrade, it won't stretch as much when warm, like the rubber ones do.

Thanks, your trailer turned out nice, I have a tandem trailer frame like that has been waiting to be turned into a car hauler for about 8yrs now. Hopefully it will get done this Summer, just acquired about 1000lbs of angle iron and expanded metal for free in February, that should be enough to...

Not this year, but this ATV/UTV trailer was last Fall's project..

I have a Hobart 125, and 210 MVP. The 125 is now 16yrs old and has a good 1000hrs of run time on it, the 210 is 5, and has a few hundred, both have been issue free.

I found MIG to be a lot easier than stick, but then again, learned how to stick weld back in HS, then never welded again for about 12yrs, and only had a MIG available to use at the time. Outside of small equipement repairs, most of my welding is with automotive restoration/fabrication and...

Lawnmower forum, which is kind of funny seeing how most of my tool repair welding is on my lawnmowers, just had to weld the handle on my walk behind back together.