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I did make the subframe that is attached to my tractor frame. The first design included a manual angling feature but the damage it was creating to my front wheels so I reconfigured to a 'pusher'. Blade lifting is accomplished via a drop down chain that is attached to the FEL cross bar. LOL, I...

I've often used CLICKOS (an aviation device) to temporarily hold thin stock aligned for welding. I sort of acts like a temporarily fastener via tiny 1/8" holes and thus prevents contraction as the welds cool down. The contraction of cooling metal is most often what causes those slim welds to pop...

The problem with 'techies' is that they can't leave good enough alone., they need to 'improve what has worked for ever'. Guess they need to justify their existence,

Now just have to learn how to use Windows 10 and figure out how to get some old stuff transferred over from my old pc. Should only take me a couple of years...... :( And I saw today that Windows 11 was now available. I feel $ U. (and me)

Garages sales are mostly still OK but on line folks are asking too much generally. Must be a Covid thing. In many cases I see full retail or more for used. Many bought on sale (on impulse) and now ask the inflated retail pre sale price.

Considering the weight difference I'd suspect the heavier unit to be the best choice. I'd suspect the major difference to be the transformer in that it is probably copper vs aluminum windings. With dissimilar metals corrosion is often a problem wherever there are connections. I've seen that as...

Perhaps a slight modification might help. Like creating a hinge so that it stores vertically tucked in tight to the tailgate.

LOL, over the last weeks I got some calls from my CC (?) saying a minor charge was done followed by a major disbursement. Problem was they never said what CC it was on, (have a few) and each time it was the same voice but with different fees. Since I simply hung up, hopefully I'll not have any...

Called 'flighting', complicated to make. I'd simply weld a bunch of 3 inch strips to cover as much area as possible. If U have some gaps it should not deter the basic operation of excavating the hole. Just my 2 cents. (in Canada that would be nickel as we no longer have pennies)

I beg to differ--- I have been close to a storage facility for some 15 years and have seen just about every unbelievable example. -A Jaguar (not a collectable) stored for 13 years and rent always on time. -People actually living in a locker -Police overnighting in order to catch a perp -Large...

Basically I'm a hobby welder, tractor stuff and yard art. Never refuse to do a minor repair for friends either. But then I have done the odd 'paying' job but even that was mostly for the challenge than for money but it does help pay for supplies. 2 examples are converting 4 post car lifts into...

If U know the gauge of the welder cord, anything above that should be OK as long as the distance is within reason. (like 30-40 ft and not 100+}

I used to have trouble creating that hand swirl to make nice welds but now at my age nature has taken over and my hand automatically shakes just about the at the right rhythm.

LOL, that was Jan and we are now July and still no rod oven. But that's in my 'job jar'.

One thing is that propane is heavier than air. That being said if U place the tank with the opening at lowest , be it propped or whatever, all that propane will flow out. You can help it by blowing compressed air while it sits propped up thus pushing out any remaining propane. I've worked more...

Well that's complimentary, It is in fact not my design as back in the '50's a local rural municipality used a similar drag, only they used horses to pull it. LOL, and I'm ancient enough to have seen it in action.

Years back we had to DIY our road maintenance and developed our version of a drag 'grader' that looked like below. . We'd pull with my old Willis Jeep about 3-4 time per year. Our version was a bit simpler as we simply had chains attached to the front corners and both ends of the Jeep bumper...

Yep, brass or monel as neither spark.

For sure, but just think of the invaluable 'on the job' training he got.

The majority of DIY welding is never continuous nor using 3/16 rod so I'm sure 40 amp circuit will have you covered. Also that machine probably has a 90% duty cycle when using 1/8 rods and well within the 40 amp draw. Go for it!

Same here. Good old AC stick welder that served me very well. So far everything I have 'stuck' together is still holding. But then I recently got me a wire machine that I can't quite make work as it should. But then it is a 'cheepo' from an offshore firm.

Hey, a decent AC welder is the most trouble free machine U can buy. It is basically one big stepdown transformer but with some method to control the amperage output. For up to 3/8 steel you can't go wrong. Worst cases U just make another pass. While DC has advantages there is really nothing AC...

I don't know that but I'll check that out. If DC there would have to be diodes or a bridge. For that matter I have some health diodes on hand so that's one option. (LOL, I never toss anything) AC is frustration? on only wire feed? On my buzz box I have no problems with AC, like all my welds...

LOL, log splitters with the wedge remouved make great hydraulic presses!

It came from Princess Auto (Cdn) $ cost of $100. shipping included and is 110VAC only. I wanted it simply for thin stock. The feed speed is more like ft/sec rather than ft/min. And YES, I cranked the speed way down. While I've not studied the circuit closely, I suspect a wrong variable pot...

OK, I bought an 'el cheapo' wire welder for welding thin stock. (For serious welding I have a 200 amp Hobart stick machine and we get along very well.) While it all seems to be OK I'm amazed as to how fast and how much wire is ejected. What is a norm, in feet /min or /sec. Also with the supplied...

Another tip. Clothing: while special aprons (leather) gloves etc are recommended you should avoid all synthetic materials. Cotton is best, sure it will smolder but won't flash and drip hot burning melting plastic as synthetics will. Never wear sneakers either, just good old leather shoes. Hot...

If you are only wanting to plug holes and not looking for structural strength I'd urge considering a polyurethane caulking* as sold in home renovation centers. From experience I also know a patch can be successfully made. That poly caulk has most of the qualities of automotive windshield...

Another penetrant trick I read about but not tried (but makes sense) is to heat and add paraffin (candle wax). Heat will melt the wax and draw it into the rusty threads and wax is another form of lubricant.

If it sticks and holds, It's OK.

Off to pick?? What are we picking? LOL

Welding shop???? Well my 'welding hobby shop' is so far in a horrible deficit, LOL. All investment but horrible returns. (RIO) OK, that's all right, it is after all a HOBBY! I invested for fun, not profit. Besides, I'd have to charge taxes get insurance and all that stuff. OK, retired, is there...

My favorite WD use is to remove sticky residue, like from labels. Dissolves the goo and wipes away clean.

I'd think that 'clicko' method would work out best if the receiving panel had a joggled edge thus needing less filler. Never tried it myself (rarely do body work) but should be a good procedure. Same for an English wheel, love to have one, but just to play? I did once own a metal...

What always amazes me is folks asking what is best welding table to buy! Heck, you bought a welder to weld! What better project but to weld up but your very own table. Customized as well. OK, mine is a nice 24 X 36 , nice and clean cut on a shear and square. Came as a steel supplier's cut off...

Back when I was in the reserves we had lots of down time. I used the Gov't bench grinders to shape a nice hunting knife from a large file. Still have it and that cutting edge is so good that I can shave any time. On a hunt we quartered and skinned a large moose and never needed to hone that...

To prevent warpage while welding thin stock there is an aviation product called 'Clickos' , tiny spring loaded fingers devices that you insert in (usually) 1/8" pre drilled matched holes. They firmly hole the metal sheets (patches) together as you weld your way along. Weld up close, remove next...

Don't have a real anvil but at a sale once the guy had some big chunks of steel that have served me well. 3 X 6 X 12, and 4 X 4 x 8. Just sitting on my bench I have pounded a lot on those chunks. Anvils seem to run about $3.00/lb around here if U can find one. A chunk of RR track would be nice...

Yep, junk art is fun. And it is sellable as well. Shovels, rakes old horse shoes are all nice stock to have on hand.

Added to my 'to do' list! ROD OVEN

If you asked they'd claim they needed more to cover their higher overheads and claim less profit. Was in sales 'back when' and a big chain demanded better discounts to cover their overheads and they wanted to sell lower than the small guys. Those biggies were the ones with VP's of everything...

Re splatter, glad I read all this thread! My el cheepo splattered so badly that I was fearing a shop fire Mind you that was with the Chinese no brand wire that came with the welder. . Now I know a lot has to do with wire quality so must purchase a good brand and try again. Heck I'd not even...

"until I found an “alternative”. What pray tell is that 'alternative' ?

I would not mind the price of larger Oxy bottles but it is the $100/year per tank rental (contract) that kill it 4 me. While to have gas on hand is super handy it simply no longer worth it IMO. Guess I have to find a shop that'll let me 'piggyback' on their contract .

I did so but it was but a flat piece of mild steal and the square hole elongated without opening the valve at the first try. Adding insult was the price @ $6.00 or so. Guess they dumped all those 1/4 valves onto the Canadian market as I'm not talking '70's here but as recent as 2 years ago...

LOL, OK, 'I'm in the over the hill club' but I still weld! Advantage is that since I've now got 'natural shakes' welding is actually easier.

Was just scanning Cottage Life Magazine on line. They were dealing with folks that wanted to upgrade to year round conversion. WOW, some upgrades they wanted. Their main concern hinted that they might be required to winter service roads that were usually not done. Then I found another permit...

They sure don't leak when you get them, only later after you manage to crack them open. Problem is that nearest exchange is the auto parts store that is an agent. The closest gas co is a 2 hr drive. Shame is that for my occasional usage the small volume of the porta tanks suited me just fine...

Yep! While one is needed for burn barrels as I said, you are correct in that for burn piles or construction debris another is needed and that is $'s and to be issued for specific day and ONLY outside of city limits, and with fire pump nearby. As well they specify that no accelerents be used...

Curious here, I came across a coil of aluminum flux core wire on sale. (bought it-$5.00) How effective is aluminum flux core welding?

Permits, permits ---- Soon you'll need a permit to apply 4 a permit. Being rural we have more than our fair share. Building permit, well permit, septic permit, shed permit, sign permit, tree cutting permit, dock permit, minor change permit, permit to recycle materials, fire pit permit and I'm...

I also have problems but with the oxygen valve in the small porta tanks. Seems they us an impact to close after they fill with O2. Very tight vice grips is the only way I can open the O2 and then can never re close .properly. It gets very costly, 5 mins of brazing costs me a tank every time. I...

Made a find last week, somebody was tossing out about 50 ft of 1 x 2 inch aluminum channel stock all in 5 ft lengths,1/8" thick. LOL, it came home with me. Now what to use it for. Also was some 2 ft lengths a 'T' all in 1/8". Heck worth good $'s even at scrap prices. I figured about 100 lbs of...

First day of that white paint for us.(tempted to use an other word that also started with S) Tractor is all rigged up for snow duties C/W its overhauled blower. OK, I did some weld repairs (2 impellor blades needed to be straightened and a few welds) While I was at it I replaced all the bearings...

Talk about going off topic---from welding boat repairs to deer hunting

"At sixty eight, us old guys need all the help we can get " Jeez, I passed 82. did I flunk the old guy club? But hey, I still weld, mostly stick with my old Hobart..

I recently purchased new winter tires that were already mounted.(great deal) Flash back, my old ones were also mounted (but kind'a bald) so I have an extra set of mounted tires. Also I had to replace my wheel 'spindles' so I kept them for??. So to make an off road trailer all I need is a...

I'm from aviation background so I'll always lean towards rivets, be it pneumatically set or even 'pop' rivets. I like PRC (windshield adhesive) or poly B caulking to make good seals. Shucks Flextra (tm) would glue a patch so well that you'd need a cold chisel to remove it. Been there. done that!

I made mine from old discarded bed frame angle, drilled lots of holes for tie downs and I had some expanded metal scraps for the bed. Used it just yesterday and hauled 5 ea 5 gals of fuel for my tractor. Very handy and the best is no fuel odors in my SUV. I'm lucky in that all my vehicle lights...

I DIY'd mine. Old discarded bed frame angle, some 2 x 2 tubing that I had nd a few rods. Drilled lots of holes for bungee tie downs. Used it this week to load/haul fuel for this winter snow blower usage. I was able to load 4 ea 5 gal plastic jugs and good to go. Big advantage is no odors in my...

This week is 'big pick up' week. Great shopping time. Bed frames, check. (angle iron) Batteries. check. ($25 ea at re cycle depot) Odd lamp that has 3 legs (6 ft ea X 1") nice tubing!, check. Nice big brass fire extinguisher, check, (but was gone when I came back).--- Drat! Hey, priced the...

Most recent 'wild project' was to modify a 4 post vehicle lift into a freight elevator for a storage facility, We found a model of lift that went 12 ft, and used that. Welded a checker plate to close the gaps between the wheel ramps, created a 'slope' to push carts onto the platform. At the...

LOL, yep, you have to pass 'grinder 101' B4 becoming a welder. Don't know what is more expensive, grinding discs or welding rods. Now as to rods, keep 'em dry, use an oven or store in a dry warm place. Like over the furnace or on top of your hot water tank. Shucks a wooden box with a 60 watt...

OK, we've intro'd aviation into this discussion. A client had a Grumman 'Goose' (amphibian) that he wanted to make into a flying camper. I had seat cushions fabricated that when positioned made a seat but when laid out made 'wall to wall' beds. Air regulations state that seat restraints must...

No since it was some years ago but I used an aviation standard procedure for splicing tubular structures as outlined in many publications. Basically calling for sleeves with fishtailed ends and rosette welds. Tubing used was 4130 Thinking back I'd believe aviation structural welds could be...

The few, (friends and mine) that I have seen al use the same 'guts' and employ standard 3 volt lithium 'penny' batteries which are easily available. IMHO rapid response is the most critical function as the other functions are adjustable to suit the task.

Chop saw (or cold cut) clamps, 'C' clamps, vice grips (lots) 2 grinders, one for discs other for wire cup brush. Lots of cutting discs. Chipping hammer, welding magnets (nice to have 2) (Some long pipe clamps come in handy as well.) AND a decent helmet, auto type is a treat! + non auto for...

LOL,M.C. you have a short memory. On TBN you were contemplating this site and I posted a few comments of encouragement and that led to an invite. I'm glad to see that this site has not gone 'this brand is better than that one' aka 'Ford/Chevy'. Also very pleased to see REAL DIY/amateur input...

Problem is whenever U toss out something it is guaranteed that one week later it'll be the exact thing you need . Ask me how I know. LOL.

Stuff will expand to the available space!

Propane is heavier than air so park the opened tank with valve hole facing down. If in a hurry blow compressed air into that inverted tank to push out any remaining propane. Have done this method a fair number of times and still around to post, LOL. At worst you'll occasionally get a slight...

You will be an accomplished grinder operator B4 you become competent welder! Don't ask! (but those welds looked good!)

Hi.

No, everybody still breathing just fine. LOL but I did clean the oven B4 she could see what I did.

I wish to PM u How?

My background was in aviation. A client that operated DC3's wanted more comfortable seating for his passengers. He also had a set of Convair seats but they were too wide to allow minimum aisle space of 16 inches. My challenge was to modify them to fit. Like cut out 3 inches per seat frame.(1.5"...

Also rear left in photo you see another DIY------------- namely a support ring for the peony that is just sprouting. Must have made a dozen or so for my wife's plants.

I simply can't recall how or where I came by this but when I wanted a counterweight this came to mind. It is an elevator counterweight and clearly indicates 300 lbs, What I like it is nice and close to the rear as well as compact. You see that I incorporated a receiver for trailer hitches and...

Or also known as how to get rid of your trash. AND, it sells! Well, I don't sell, just do it for fun but a friend has done quite well doing so.

I responded to a poster as to how I popped trees and small root clumps but can't locate it. The comment was 'no picture, didn't happen' LOL OK, here's the evidence. I had said, ugly and ashamed to show it, but there U are. That 'PIN' is an old truck axle that I poke under a sapling root ball...

I needed a snow blade to augment my snow duties. I had an old steel workbench top (about 3/32" thick) and cut to the shape I wanted. Took it to a shop and they formed the curve I desired. I welded angle at top, and bottom and made the 'fish bones' to re enforce the curve. A bit of bracketry and...

Since my CUT wears a heated cab I needed to fashion a chute rotation device. As luck had it I had an ATV 2000 lb winch from a yard sale find. Bit of welding for a bracket and a spring loaded DPDT switch and , presto. Remote chute rotation. Now this is on its 4 th winter without any problems. The...

Ok, hi, A few pics of my DIY cab build. Now this cab is over 12 years old. Windows were from a school bus emergency exit door. Frame is 2 x 2 square tubing made as matched pairs. Panels are galvanized steel for no rust problems and lag screwed vs welded . Rear window swings out for fresh ait and...

Agree, nice work. Interesting project similar in fact to one of my early ones. I had an avionics shop and we needed technician work benches, (20 yrs ago)! I used 2 x 2 for legs, 1 x 2 for crosses and lucked out locating new unused melamine desk tops with melamine on both sides. By the time I...

Yep, you are on the right track. We dragged (drug?) one similar for many years. And yes have your spillover go to the next blade. If you have yanking or tugging from obstacles, try looping the pull chains thru a small tire and it will act as a shock absorber of sorts.

AND---Keep you distance! or U just be joining those Brave Warriors.

Yep! With an AC stick welder use whichever is the most convenient. Most will install the rod holder on the longer lead simply for convenience and flexibility..

One important aspect is that you do not want to run you generator at max ratings. Never mind the quoted surge or peak, that is for motor start up which only lasts for a few seconds. I'd personally want to aim at about 75% of the rating remembering that when you touch your stick to start a weld...

I'm 'frugal', LOL cheap. After a fair bit of on line research checking specs etc I ordered a $40.00 helmet and was very pleasantly surprised. At first very cautious using it, actually a bit scared. From studying specs I determined that the response speed was probably the most critical aspect...

Lots of sound advice. Basically it boils down to, creative hobby or HD farm (?) repairs. In the HD zone any decent rod machine, be it AC or DC will serve U well with main difference being duty cycles. As an amateur welder the lower duty cycle units will be sufficient. (not planning bridge...

Here's another Eco friendly source for you. Bet over the last month I've seen a dozen office chairs out for pickup. The basic structure just yells 'look, I'm an ideal grinder base'. 4-5 nicely placed feet and a vertical component that just need extending. Shucks if lucky the wheels might just...

Read you , agree, my thought is either wrong pot installed or faulty. I plan to open it up and replace or possibly add more resistance in series. Just have to slow down that drive motor. Do wish a schematic had been included but guess I can work around that. In my past I was involved in aircraft...

Yep, check the list daily but often opt to 'conserve energy', i.e. NADA. But then isn't retirement meant to be just that? So reading, TBN and now Welding net often win out. With the curent Virus situation not much else to do. I'm not alone as last month I listed my Toyota MRE on the net and...

In my case the landscape is the big hurdle. My property is VERY uneven and that due to solid rock . I'd actually need an elevator to reach my other half. As it is I pump 20 ft uphill for my septic drainage field, however being lakeside I would not trade it. (like I'm 30 ft from a spring fed...

Read U 5 X 5, good suggestion (and I'll use it)! Fact is while the bearings were 'on stanby' due to needing a proper sized axle tube your idea will work out better. In fact might just start on that over next day or two.

Not that I do much body welding but when I have I borrowed ideas from my aviation background. CLIKO sheet metal holders. You drill 1/8 holes in overlapping panels every few inches and weld your way forward removing the clikos as you approach each one. You'll be very pleased with the results. A...

One thing I have learned to do with my helmet. I store it in a re usable cloth shopping bag and hang it up so that I doesn't get filthy dirty since I don't use it all that often. As to the outer lens, I have some clear plastic that I use as replacements whenever the installed one gets badly...

Yep, post pounder. Made mine from a discarded 'dozer cylinder and welded a solid slug at the top end. Side grips/handles slightly towards the operator. Used rebar for the grips in order to have a good hand hold. My neighbors all use it more than I do, but that' OK, makes a good loaner credit for...

LOL, guess you are another TBN member that rec'd a Mohammed invite like I. For sure owning a tractor invites welding to be added to our skills. In my case it included a complete cab build, snow plow build and simply too many related projects. My last was a major repair/ rebuild of my PTO snow...

While consider myself a fairly competent stick welder I also am having trouble with a wire feed (cheepo) unit. Sure get lots of sparking (like scary so) and always feel the feed is simply to rapid. Would sure like a 1/2 hour with an accomplished wire welder guy to pick up tricks. Unfortunately...

Count me lucky as I've had few failures. Most have been when I try to fill gaps that should not be filled and that due to slag. I do know most guys will use a scrap (often a rod or bolt) and weld from both sides to bridge the gap. Now I'd never attempt bridging on anything structural.

I often wonder as to how well using heat and cold water would work to straighten curved metal. You all know heat will create a curve like when I welded up my tooth bar did. That was simply as all the teeth were welded on one side only of the bar leaving a nice curve. OK, so I pounded it onto my...

My tractor sports a hitch receiver tube on my counterweight. I also mounted a HD winch on a plate for occasional log retrieval. Works great but I need to monitor battery draw. \I used Anderson connectors for quick connections.

Old trailer, very old. It was a freeby, haul it and it's yours.. Well it had one flat, like really rotted flat. We had a spare so out comes the crossbar, next a length of pipe as a persuasion bar but all we managed to do was snap off the stud. Buddy gets it hauled off to a mechanic and he...

I grew up on a waterfront riverside property but that is now polluted. I now am on a spring fed 'top of the watershed' lake. When first married I had a cookie box house in suburbs. The neighbor would weekly cut, trim feed pamper his lawn like it was gold. BUT made his kids play in the ditch so...

Oh, flap disks, now that's the 'cat's meow' for prepping welds on most work. Also great for cleanup.

Good luck. Gee most manuals I've seen mostly consist of safety warnings and a chart for different rods and that's about it. As to rod specs they are all over the place and on/in every box of rods.

OK here is my wild guess. HD shower curtain hooks, like maybe even to hang welding curtains in an assembly line.

I only have an AC machine but recently used an AC/ DC one. Even with different rods I still preferred the AC mode.

Hey, I also do mostly AD but have also used a bit of DC. IMHO, AC will most usually do 95% of what U need to do.

Something I recently did by accident was to have a decent magnet clipped to the side of my drill press. I basically was storing it there. It captured a great deal of chips thus making clean up much easier so I now permantly have one parked off to one side.

I have something similar but mounted on a 300 lb elevator weight that also acts as my counterweight on my CUT. The elevator weight is real handy as it is 'tucked in' close thus adding little or no overhang and that coupled with tires juice filled works just great.

My guess is a box blade would transport /move excess material while the drag simply levels things out. A true land plane scallops the humps to move material somewhere else. Also the drag does tend to leave a ridge on at least one side depending on design. When we used our drag we'd make 3...

Might be aviation related, as the crimps are nicopressed, if that helps. (nicropres is the tool to crimp)

LOL, I'm retired so should have lots of time. BUT I seem to never have enough (time). LOL, the honey do jar is overflowing!

Mufflers. For snow sleds. Back then, I used .an empty propane canister and to weld flex pipe for the inlet and outlets. That DIY cure did not sound ant worst that the factory. OK, not OSHA tested but it worked!

LOL, my first welder was a DIY re wound using 1/4 tubing for the output and all that in a plywood box. BUT it welded! Heck my first rod holder was gloves and vice grips. OK, today I have a 200 amp Hobart and that does every and anything I need to do.

I do occasionally weld galvanized material BUT always and only outdoors (with me upwind). BUT you need to grind as far back as you'd expect your weld to penetrate or you'll see some funny colored flashes. And. yes there will be corrosion unless you spray protection over your welds.

How long do rods last? Simple, build a heater box (AKA, rod oven). That can be as simple as a wooden box and a 100 watt bulb. Baring that borrow your wife's oven when ready to weld.

If U go to a REAL farm supply those tracks are affordable. Problem is they have become a designer thing then open up your wallet.

I needed to change my Kia wheel bearings recently. I kept the old ones and was able to do a reasonable job of restoring them (not for road use) but sure would make a nice off road trailer since a length of tubing welded between the flanges would make a nice axle and I could then use my winter...

That's my problem, too many hobbies for the space allotted. Woodworking, tractors and welding plus maintaining my vehicles and all the tools for them sure take up space in a hurry.

Yep, must be an unwritten law that says "Stuff will expand to fill the available space' !

LOL, no idea but when you find out let me know.

I also see that in some areas. Some people think that to simply save the taxes on a 10+ year old item is a bargain. LOL, being 'older and wiser' I know which suburbs to avoid on yard sale days..

I stick weld mainly and also have a set of torches. Generally I have no or little problems with stick but then I purchased a 110 wire machine (cheap one) and it drives me nuts. I wanted it to do thin stock that was under a stick machine's capabilities so a 110 looked OK. No matter what speed...

I like your vice bending tricks and might adopt them (if no royalties are involved). One that I have done is to keep 2ea 12 inch angles that I often use to clamp thin metal stock and hand bend to 90 deg's. The hitch vice mount also should prove to be very handy. Clever!

You will become a proficient grinder before you become a proficient welder. LOL, so true!

The 'good post' covers more ground than a simple 'like' in my opinion. It suggest more of a quality or comprehensive presentation while perhaps the other leaves the reader wondering how to do that.

Now using up odds and ends to create a useful objects is an art in itself and a chalenge but most satisfying. Garden art is in that category like making birds from a garden spade or puppy dogs from a large coil spring. Now surprising enough there is a market for creative garden art as well. A...

On pusher blades, snow. I did make mine for my CUT using some 1/8 plate I had from old industriel work benches. Had a shop create the curve for me on a big press and made some curved backers.that I welded to the blade. I then fabricated arms that led back to my CUT and used my FEL arms and...

How about re-build? I did a major overhaul/rebuild of my 3-point snow blower. Does that count? I re shaped the fan blades as stones tent to twist them. Hammered the augers back to position. Replaced all the bearings. LOL, and that for once while the weather was nice and not below 0. OK, I'm 2...

LOL, who doesn't need a new and bigger shop. That or less hobbies and projects. My problem is that I have mixed wood working (cabinet work etc) as well as all the metal/tractor related projects in my one available shop. Plus I did years of renovations along with those related tools and I don't...

Also on a whim I bought a $99.00 wire welder (mainly for small thin work) and quite honestly not all that pleased. Could it be the cheap (I guess) spool that came with it? seems to splatter like crazy and gee the wire comes out kind of fast In my opinion.(like 2-4 FPM, I'd guess). Just seems...

I have the best of both worlds. Live 1 hour north of Montreal in Laurentien foothills on a small lake that is spring fed and at the head of the watershed. The lake water is so pure that most use it in lieu of wells. Moose, deer, geese and assorted other wildlife like lynx and wild turkeys etc...

Look at it this way, since you weld you could always tack on additional wear strips onto a worn blade should the need arise and that at a later date. Actually on my present drag grader I am thinking of welding some teeth onto my front blade as where we use it the road bed is very well compacted.

I disagree. We made a drag grader that used normal mild steel and dragged/graded 3 miles of dirt road like 3-4 times a year and our drag was still very usable 10 years later and showed only minor wear.

Well I went all hog wild and bought an 'el cheepo' (like $40.00) over the net and must say I'm well satisfied with the performance so far. Only complaint is that it constantly pinches my right ear. I did some research B4 selecting my buy and lucked out I guess. I use it fairly often but still...

I'd show it but it is so ugly in it was a last minute idea that I'd be ashamed to show it.

Many years back I helped a relative create a smoker. We used an old gutted fridge as the carcase (body) with a steel plate at the bottom to burn the wood on. A hole on top with stove pipe and a pipe valve completed the set up. He smoke a bunch of fish and that was a very successful project and...

Oh yes, welding up yard art is really fun. I have a few around my place that always get nice revues. My favorite is a 4 ft egret made from tin (well that was mostly soldered). Couple of dogs from truck springs, birds from a shovel etc. Some garden art can be found on web sites should U need...

Clamps, clamps, clamps---and every pair of vice grips that I find at yard/garage sales for $1-2.00. Couple of welding magnets,.'C' clamps. Then I also have a bunch of long woodworking clamps that often come in handy as well. 2ea 5" grinders, one for wire brush and other for cutting discs plus a...

I think I 'one upped you'. I made myself a super tooth (about 12 " long) to pop out rocks and small saplings. Used an old truck axle as the 'tooth' and welded up a clamp on device like used for clamp on FEL trailer hitches. Made it to fit between the center 2 teeth on my tooth bar and used dual...

Don't laugh---------- Many years back (using my DIY welder) I was welding on the bottom of a trailer so it was inverted and tilted towards me for ease of welding. Making it worst I wore shorts. As I was welding naturally some sparks would roll down towards me0 and guess where they ended up! I'll...

I can suggest as to how I do that, Propane is heavier than air so knowing that you stand it so that the opening is facing down. I like to blow compressed air to accelerate the 'purging', so to speak. Done it more than a few times! (still here, LOL) B4 welding/cutting I like to run a flame...

Oh shucks, an old truck tire rim (like 16 inch) and a length of pipe and your good to go. Just weld, say, a 1/4 inch, say, 8 x 8 plate on top to host that grinder. Maybe a shelf a few inches lower to hold your coolant and dressing devices. All material should naturally be of found materials to...

I remember helping a relative to make a smoker from an old gutted refrigerator. It actually turned out fairly well. Being relatively tall it was easy to hang fish to be smoked. We re enforced the bottom so that the wood would not burn thru and a short stove pipe with valve to slow combustion...

In my shop I have a fairly large one.(10 lbs?) Kitchen has a nice white one on side of fridge. Basement 'hobby' room also sports one. Smoke detectors on every level. Guess to be well covered I should install one on my tractor as well. LOL, we were heating my snow blower fan blades to straighten...

Funny thing about drill presses and auctions. At just about any auction that I have attended I notice that DP's just about always sell higher than normal retail, especially when you include auctioneer's fees and all the taxes. Called auction fever.

LOL, my first was a swap for a surplus set of aircraft wheels, next a flea market 'find' at $20.00 and 3rd garage sale @ $7.00 Both #2+3 are small table toppers while the first a full sized. #1 is in shop on wheels wile #2 is in basement 'tinkering' area. #3 I was generous enough to pass onto my...

In my prior post note that 3/8 X 3" regular mild steel flat lasted all of over 10 years and still had some to go. In my opinion there is no need for anything else.

Hey, the majority of my projects usually demand 1/8 rod so duty cycle never is a problem, besides by the time I'm onto the next weld I have never come close to 'duty cycle'. Heavy rod and long welding seams (like splicing plates) would be a different story. but even building, say, a trailer with...

We made a similar plane or drag grader years ago to maintain 3 Kilometers of gravel/dirt road that was much travelled. Size was 8 ft wide by 8 long. Front and back blades were both same angle at about 15-20 degrees while the middle was at 0probably 30-35 degrees tha opposite way with the idea to...

While on drill presses; Was driving by a yard sale that had a press out front, asked how much and they said , $8.00. OK, cheap offshore unit but it worked OK so I brought it home. It sits downstairs in my small hobby corner for when I don't want to go outside to my shop. (Shop has full size...

Traditionally the method was to use lead. I presume that acid etch prepping followed by flowing (oxy torch) some lead bar stock. Next would be a file or 'rasp' to even things out. BUT, today's method is called 'Bondo". LOL, I only did the Bondo route! As to metal spray, I did once see Eutectuic...

Yes, many internet DIY sites show U how. It is on my 'to do' project list. As it so happens I had an early microwave that had a fairly HD transformer and I have already done the winding for the output side. Only need more time to finish that project. LOL, too many projects that need finishing...

OK, I bought a 'flux core', (an el cheapo), mainly for very thin metals as I have a 220 rod machine for HD work. Don't know if is me, but I feel that the wire feeds much too fast. Speed control hardly affects it, or so it seems. What should the ft/min be like? heck I barely hit the trigger and...

Buddy and I made DIY teeth for his CUT. We went to a truck spring shop and obtained scraps of HD (3/4") spring stock and proceeded to fabricate a tooth bar. Well that was 4-5 years ago and just today I observed his DIY tooth bar was holding up well and barely showing wear.(and his terrain is...

Heck, from the few I've seen, they simply use a 3 volt lithium cell. I got the impression most are generic 'guts' and perhaps a few don't have a charging ability. Either way I leave mine in such a way that it is exposed to sunlight hopefully to extend the charge as I am only an occasional...

Hey, it is like riding a bicycle, you really never forget how..

I also have some rods that act up from time to time. Usually it is because they are humid. In fact some rods must be kept in a rod oven, For my acting up rods I simply use the kitchen oven from time to time. A 'rod oven' is on my 'to do list', even a wooden box with a 60 watt light bulb could...

A Hobart stick welder that gave up? Heck all that is, it's a heavy transformer. Unless it caught fire and melted I'm sure it can be put back into services at reasonable cost. In fact that is my main machine and, OK my on/off switch bit the dust so I did a DIY switch replacement. All to say...

I needed to pull the engine from my MG one time. I used a kids swing set as my crane platform and that worked well. I did shorten the top 'cross bar' just enough to straddle the car. Worked great!

Very similar to a drag we used for 10-12 years to maintain our well traveled cottage road. Ours used 3 blades with each blade positioned such to dump the overflow onto the next one. We set them so that the angles of one side would be close to the total of the other side so as to attempt keeping...

The 'jaws' are round shaped suggesting gripping smallish logs or possibly pipes as in to place/lay water mains.

Mohamed sent me an invite since I had commented when welding was in the planning stages.

Hey, count me in for a new welder. LOL, I won on TBN one time and need to renew that pace.

My 3 pt has a trailer 2inch 'tube' for hitches so I simply welded a suitable plate to mount my winch whenever I need it. I also have a HD Anderson connector on the tractor so I simply plug the winch Anderson in and good to go. Also my winch control uses standard extension type wire so I can add...

The high/low setting directly affects the duty cycle as well as the voltage output. High voltage = easier ark start but less duty cycle. Basically there is a few more windings on the transformer output side. to provide higher voltage.

Yes, also linking, say, 3 batteries in series will really perform quite well.

Were it me I'd switch the leads as the rod holder lead when longer allows U more flexibility to be better positioned for all angle welds. Now that is specially handy welding on large items like a tractor or other vehicle. Assuming an AC welder which cable is ground or stick does not matter.

Add me to the Hobart users list. Have had mine for over 20 years and burned a lot of rods with it. Also have seen a few Hobarts rebranded under popular consumer names.

I'm in cottage country and often cottagers scrap old bed springs. Well those spring frames are generally nice 1 1/2 angle material so I always carry tools to grab them before the local scrapper gets them. Amazing what U can do with that material. All my power tools have nice bases made from bed...

In my late teens I was always into electricity and basic electronics. Browsing a surplus store I found a stepdown transformer that reduced very high voltage down to 110 AC and had an easy frame design. Bought it, counted the 110 windings (88 turns) and duplicated them to get 220 input. For my...

I'm In Canada so cash or coupon of some sort would be easier.

I'll be here often!