I weld

[bkbimmer]

Must be nice.

[tig]

Got the re-do of the base done. I used a plethora of cutting tools to get those 2x2s cut out including my new electric angle grinder, my old air angle grinder, my die grinder, and my sawzall. I am now pretty well practiced in those tools as a result. I think I said this before but it's easy to over-weld things. I'm learning that just because you CAN put a weld somewhere doesn't meant you need to.





I also expanded the holes the support bolts go through for the top planks from 1/2" to 5/8". I did the first one using a 5/8" drill bit and that was a BITCH. Even with a big drill with a side-handle, the torque just about killed me. Then I tried this little bugger on my die grinder... Easy as cake.





This lets me move the top planks laterally a little bit so they are better aligned.

[EventuallyAyrton]

That table is coming along quite well. MIG welding is not difficult to get good at but can take a little practice to master, your welds look pretty nice. Next step is TIG! It's way more fun than MIG, although I still find some sort of strange comfort in stick welding...

[George]

That table is coming along quite well. MIG welding is not difficult to get good at but can take a little practice to master, your welds look pretty nice. Next step is TIG! It's way more fun than MIG, although I still find some sort of strange comfort in stick welding...

Ya know, I've been welding for almost 15 years now. About half of that time I did it as a profession and I still have no idea how to stick weld. Nor am I sure why stick welding would be preferable to TIG. Can you enlighten me?

CEK, I would highly recommend a rotating vice as a future additional to your welding table. It is really nice to be able to hold what you'd welding in the correct position for optimal weld.

I use a cheap home depot version:


but there are much nicer versions available.

[tig]

My vise rotates.

Having so much fun with this whole welding thing.

Moar.

I built a tool hanger bar. Used 2" 1/8" stock. Also installed a 2-outlet extension cord.

[Karl Grau]

My vise rotates.

I think he meant like this.

[tig]

My vise rotates.

I think he meant like this.

O.

Slick.

[tig]

My vise rotates.

I think he meant like this.

O.

Slick.

Note I can mount my vise at any 90°.

[Karl Grau]

https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-69999-Mul ... 0Y1175F8NX

[George]

Yes, 2 directions of rotations.

[tig]

Yes, 2 directions of rotations.

Moar direction of rotation is always gooder.

[George]

I guess 2 independent axes of rotation is a better description but you get the point. It's great for small automotive fabrication projects.

[bkbimmer]

I'm technically a professional and your setup is soooo much better than mine.

[oldskool]

I'm technically a professional and your setup is soooo much better than mine.

You should see his underwear drawer.

[EventuallyAyrton]

Ya know, I've been welding for almost 15 years now. About half of that time I did it as a profession and I still have no idea how to stick weld. Nor am I sure why stick welding would be preferable to TIG. Can you enlighten me?

Because it's fun to strike an arc and lay down an insane amount of material. It's frustrating when you start but once you get used to it, it's quite enjoyable. Ever tried to TIG weld a building together? No fun at all

[leadphut]

I'm technically a professional and your setup is soooo much better than mine.

You should see his underwear drawer.

as a professional, would you say it's better than yours?

[George]

Ya know, I've been welding for almost 15 years now. About half of that time I did it as a profession and I still have no idea how to stick weld. Nor am I sure why stick welding would be preferable to TIG. Can you enlighten me?

Because it's fun to strike an arc and lay down an insane amount of material. It's frustrating when you start but once you get used to it, it's quite enjoyable. Ever tried to TIG weld a building together? No fun at all

Wouldn't MIGing be preferable for something like that? Or is it more reserved for really thick materials?

99% of my welding is/has been automotive fabrication related so no buildings...

This has probably been the largest things I've ever welded and it went together fine with a MIG:

[tig]

Da fuq? Is that art? (I guess it must be, if I have to ask).

[George]

lol. art.


crossfit workout rig.

[EventuallyAyrton]

Ya know, I've been welding for almost 15 years now. About half of that time I did it as a profession and I still have no idea how to stick weld. Nor am I sure why stick welding would be preferable to TIG. Can you enlighten me?

Because it's fun to strike an arc and lay down an insane amount of material. It's frustrating when you start but once you get used to it, it's quite enjoyable. Ever tried to TIG weld a building together? No fun at all

Wouldn't MIGing be preferable for something like that? Or is it more reserved for really thick materials?

99% of my welding is/has been automotive fabrication related so no buildings...

This has probably been the largest things I've ever welded and it went together fine with a MIG

MIG is fine but it's the easiest, the "weakest", and the most boring (in my opinion). You're not at all involved in the process, you just pull the trigger and it does everything for you

[bkbimmer]

Opinions are funny things.

[tig]

Opinions are funny things.

Funny things have opinions.

Funny, things have opinions.

Funny things; have opinions.

Funny. Things. Have opinions.

[Tomas]

I've done some construction type stick welding. Stick smokes like a forest fire.
When you are outdoors its not a problem but for shop type welding its going to taste guacala.

[tig]

I've been thinking about this ever since I first dropped the M30B34 out of the bottom of Vlad on the 4-post lift.

It didn't work very well. I almost died.

When I found my Vestil 800lbs lift cart on Craigslist I immediately visualized the solution: A cradle/cart that the lift cart can hoist up and down.

Today I (mostly) completed it.



The idea is to remove the steering/suspension stuff and attach this thing to the sub-frame. When it's done there will be a support for the front of the oil pan (I'm thinking of something adjustable so M20/M30/S54 will all work; that front cross bar lines up directly under the flywheel on an M30). There will also be a support sticking off the rear to support the back of the engine & transmission; again, something adjustable.

I had a beat up set of LCAs lying around and cut them to make a positive-connection to the sub-frame. Originally, my idea was to just have the cradle be a cradle. I like this better. I also like this weld:




Made good use of my welding table!




I haven't bought the casters so you'l have to use your imagination for how it touches the floor when the lift cart is at its lowest.


Yes, this will only work with E28s. But if I ever need to use it on something else, I can easily modify it...Because I now can fu*king weld!

[bkbimmer]

Mine is way better.

[Das_Prachtstrasse]

Mine is way better.

Now THAT is a work of art.

[bkbimmer]

Mine is way better.

Now THAT is a work of art.

Being poor helps hone your creative side.

[tig]

First time capping square tubes.



Welding nuts in place has become second nature. My grinding skills need work.

Other than the adjustable supports from front of engine/tranny, which won't go on until I have an actual test subject, and maybe paint, she's done.

Video of the contraption in action: https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ_2BJ2jI7r/?taken-by=cekzy

[tig]

The outdoor range I shoot at no longer provides target stands.

I could have done what everyone else does and use wood or PVC pipe. Nah.



Made with some 1x2" 14ga angle iron left over from the 3-drawer cabinet I bought for the welding table. I had to make the vertical post holders by welding together 5" lengths of the angle iron to make a 1x2" square tube. Total serendipity that I had this stuff laying around.

Also, i realized I never posted the welding table with the drawers I added...

[bkbimmer]

I can't put my finger on it but that table is missing something.