Register a SA Forums Account here!
JOINING THE SA FORUMS WILL REMOVE THIS BIG AD, THE ANNOYING UNDERLINED ADS, AND STUPID INTERSTITIAL ADS!!!

You can: log in, read the tech support FAQ, or request your lost password. This dumb message (and those ads) will appear on every screen until you register! Get rid of this crap by registering your own SA Forums Account and joining roughly 150,000 Goons, for the one-time price of $9.95! We charge money because it costs us money per month for bills, and since we don't believe in showing ads to our users, we try to make the money back through forum registrations.
 
  • Post
  • Reply
ab0z
Jun 28, 2008

by angerbotSD

frozenphil posted:

Licoln or Miller. Don't bother with anything else.

Something like this from Lincoln or this from Miller will do everything you want. I like Miller, but preference really is just personal opinion at this level; like Ford or Chevy.

That miller 180 is what I was recommended to buy by a guy who is a machinist/metalworker for a living. The local airgas place had it for the same price as online, so make sure you call the local suppliers before ordering it.

Adbot
ADBOT LOVES YOU

CatBus
May 12, 2001

Who wants a mustache ride?

ab0z posted:

That miller 180 is what I was recommended to buy by a guy who is a machinist/metalworker for a living. The local airgas place had it for the same price as online, so make sure you call the local suppliers before ordering it.

I was just checking the 180 out at Airgas today, and they have them on sale for $768 or something.

ab0z
Jun 28, 2008

by angerbotSD

CatBus posted:

I was just checking the 180 out at Airgas today, and they have them on sale for $768 or something.

dang, I gotta get on that. I was quoted $1000 or so, including a spool of wire and a bottle. I forgot what the breakdown was for price on each item but it was close to that.

blindjoe
Jan 10, 2001

frozenphil posted:

Yeah, I actually edited my post above with that welder. It's a drat good piece that will do whatever you're willing to tackle in your garage.

Harbor Freight welders work, but not well. Check out their duty cycle; most are like 10% or something absurd. That means you can only use them for 2 minutes out of every 10.

Yeah, I will probably go with one of those. I was just wondering if there was a cheap place to buy them, but I guess I will just google around. Thanks.

CatBus
May 12, 2001

Who wants a mustache ride?

ab0z posted:

dang, I gotta get on that. I was quoted $1000 or so, including a spool of wire and a bottle. I forgot what the breakdown was for price on each item but it was close to that.

$1k sounds about right with a gas bottle and wire. They quoted $175 to lease a 300 cubic foot bottle for five years, with $80 refills (or $200 to buy an 80 cubic foot bottle, with $35 refills).

frozenphil
Mar 13, 2003

YOU CANNOT MAKE A MISTAKE SO BIG THAT 80 GRIT CAN'T FIX IT!
:smug:
You ever see an idea and go, "Why the gently caress did I not think of that"?

MonkeyNutZ
Dec 26, 2008

"A cave isn't gonna cut it, we're going to have to use Beebo"
Holly balls, that's brilliant!

AbsentMindedWelder
Mar 26, 2003

It must be the fumes.
I generally prefer blue paint, BUT, don't forget that Hobart machines are made/owned by Miller, except they paint it grey. You can sometimes find great deals on Hobarts (usually at Tractor Supply).

Also yellow paint (ESAB) makes a very fine machine too. They are the only non-American machine that I endorse.

Edit to sum up:

dv6speed approved(tm) welding machine brands:

Miller (blue)
Hobart (grey)
Lincoln (red)
ESAB (yellow)

Have an absolutely wonderful day!

AbsentMindedWelder fucked around with this message at 04:52 on Mar 20, 2010

ExtremeODD
Jul 16, 2005

frozenphil posted:

You ever see an idea and go, "Why the gently caress did I not think of that"?



Hey they are on display like that at Lowe's, works great!

Slung Blade
Jul 11, 2002

IN STEEL WE TRUST

blindjoe posted:

I would like to buy a welder soon, and wonder were the best place to buy one is. I am in canada, so there might be way higher prices here then down in the states, but where to I start comparing?

I am looking for a 220v mig, have around 1500 cdn for the whole kit, welder, autodarkening helmet and cart. Don't really need the 220v, but I only want to buy 1 welder and friends have needed more than their 120 can put out. Most of what it would be used for is sheetmetal, and maybe a Locost frame if I ever get off my rear end.

I was thinking I should just pony up and get a miller next time they go on sale for $1k or so, but are there any new options I should be looking for? Is the autoset and all that worth more? I think the last one I looked at was a miller 180, are there new/better options? What should I be looking to spend on one of those? I am wary of used welders because I have seen how people use them, and I am kind of lazy when it comes down to calling someone and driving to their house to be the first one to pick up a good deal.


If you have to buy your helmet separately, just get this one:
http://www.princessauto.com/welding/welding-safety/welding-helmets/goggles/8078172-solar-powered-auto-darkening-welding-helmet

I've used mine just about every weekend for the last 2 years and it has never let me down. I use it for arc, TIG, and MIG welding. The adjustable darkness is great, and it's very easy to use. Comfortable on my gigantic noggin too.

You can get them for 50 bucks on sale (which they have every 2 weeks).



But yeah, don't buy a welding machine from princess auto unless it's a lincoln, miller, or hobart.

Suniikaa
Jul 4, 2004

Johnny Walker Wisdom

Another vote for that helmet, I have one and it is awesome. It also goes on sale a lot.

Also PA is having a scratch and save sale today so hurry down if you need something!

Sockington
Jul 26, 2003

Slung Blade posted:

If you have to buy your helmet separately, just get this one:
http://www.princessauto.com/welding/welding-safety/welding-helmets/goggles/8078172-solar-powered-auto-darkening-welding-helmet

I've used mine just about every weekend for the last 2 years and it has never let me down. I use it for arc, TIG, and MIG welding. The adjustable darkness is great, and it's very easy to use. Comfortable on my gigantic noggin too.

You can get them for 50 bucks on sale (which they have every 2 weeks).

Got one and love it!


Slung Blade posted:

But yeah, don't buy a welding machine from princess auto unless it's a lincoln, miller, or hobart.

My 220v Princess Auto brand gas mig leaves a lot to be desired, but it still gets some of the job done.

Slung Blade
Jul 11, 2002

IN STEEL WE TRUST

I just had to badmouth princess auto's stuff today. :smith:





I still love powerfist though.





Specifically, I love that these cost me 3 dollars.





(I use these in my blacksmithing activities, and I guess I put too much torque on them today. That's also why the teeth are ground off. They see abuse far beyond what most tools would.)

revmoo
May 25, 2006

#basta
What's a good place to find decent stubby allen sockets?

oxbrain
Aug 18, 2005

Put a glide in your stride and a dip in your hip and come on up to the mothership.

revmoo posted:

What's a good place to find decent stubby allen sockets?

revmoo
May 25, 2006

#basta
Not a terrible idea but aren't those allen keys made out of hardened steel or something? Also where the hell can you even find a large allen key (17+mm)?

Timmy Cruise
Jun 9, 2007
^^ I ended up buying a set of keys for a ratchet(1/2 drive i think?).

InitialDave
Jun 14, 2007

I Want To Believe.

revmoo posted:

Not a terrible idea but aren't those allen keys made out of hardened steel or something? Also where the hell can you even find a large allen key (17+mm)?
Well, you can easily enough get a large "normal" hex driver that goes on a ratchet, or most car parts places would be able to sell you something like these:


Or if you're cheap/desperate, a suitable bolt, nut and blob of weld will do in a pinch, then turn it with a socket or spanner.

Drunk Pledge Driver
Nov 10, 2004

revmoo posted:

Not a terrible idea but aren't those allen keys made out of hardened steel or something? Also where the hell can you even find a large allen key (17+mm)?

Harbor Freight has a set of allen sockets that goes up to 17mm. Should be like $15-20.

Mercury Ballistic
Nov 14, 2005

not gun related
I've no real need, but can anyone tell me where I can get some good slugging wrenches? I used one years ago to take an enormous(6" nut)shackel off and wanted my own ever since.

oxbrain
Aug 18, 2005

Put a glide in your stride and a dip in your hip and come on up to the mothership.

Mercury Ballistic posted:

I've no real need, but can anyone tell me where I can get some good slugging wrenches? I used one years ago to take an enormous(6" nut)shackel off and wanted my own ever since.

McMaster Carr has them, but they stop at 4-5/8" and it'll cost you $662.

Nerobro
Nov 4, 2005

Rider now with 100% more titanium!
sounds like it would be a whole hell of a lot cheaper to just have them laser or water jet cut one by one.

Lyesh
Apr 9, 2003

seriously, are they made of magic or something?

frozenphil
Mar 13, 2003

YOU CANNOT MAKE A MISTAKE SO BIG THAT 80 GRIT CAN'T FIX IT!
:smug:

Lyesh posted:

seriously, are they made of magic or something?

Niche tools are expensive. Most people are too lazy/don't have the equipment/don't know how to make their own tools.

sharkytm
Oct 9, 2003

Ba

By

Sharkytm doot doo do doot do doo


Fallen Rib

frozenphil posted:

Niche tools are expensive. Most people are too lazy/don't have the equipment/don't know how to make their own tools.

Also, waterjet cutting or laser cutting won't harden the steel correctly. Hardened steel specialty tools=$$$$.

Slung Blade
Jul 11, 2002

IN STEEL WE TRUST

sharkytm posted:

Also, waterjet cutting or laser cutting won't harden the steel correctly. Hardened steel specialty tools=$$$$.

Use the waterjet to cut already hardened steel!

:science:

AbsentMindedWelder
Mar 26, 2003

It must be the fumes.

Slung Blade posted:

Use the waterjet to cut already hardened steel!

:science:
Or harden the steel after cutting!

:science:

oxbrain
Aug 18, 2005

Put a glide in your stride and a dip in your hip and come on up to the mothership.
Tools like that have a worldwide annual demand in the hundreds of parts. They have to be stupidly expensive to cover the cost of the design, tooling, storage, etc. It's also something where if you need a 4-5/8 slugging wrench, you don't really have a choice but to pay the cost.

sharkytm
Oct 9, 2003

Ba

By

Sharkytm doot doo do doot do doo


Fallen Rib

dv6speed posted:

Or harden the steel after cutting!

:science:

Slung Blade posted:

Use the waterjet to cut already hardened steel!

:science:

Yeah, both of you are DIY'rs who are experienced, and have the time, and equipment to harden the steel.

Most people who need a spud wrench aren't, don't, and don't.

Slung Blade
Jul 11, 2002

IN STEEL WE TRUST

I bet most of you automotive gurus have an O/A torch and a bucket of water or used motor oil though, right?

Or a friend who has a torch?



Either way, that's all you need. (once it gets cut, of course)

AnomalousBoners
Dec 22, 2007

by Ozma
Properly heat treat

InitialDave
Jun 14, 2007

I Want To Believe.

RealKyleH posted:

Properly heat treat
With cheap IR temp guns you don't need to guess or use the old colour charts for the heating temperature, so as long as you're talking air cool or a simple quench, you could probably do a pretty good job yourself. Of course, you'd also need to know which heat treat you want, and that's a whole other boiling vessel of halibut.

Proper HT gear is brilliant, until your vacuum furnace starts leaking and you don't realise until after you've scrapped $50,000 worth of parts...

AnomalousBoners
Dec 22, 2007

by Ozma
WWell Ill just go ahead and buy the heat treaters guide for iron and steel bet I can just get it on amazon for like twel....HOLY poo poo

I thought college books were expensive.

InitialDave
Jun 14, 2007

I Want To Believe.

RealKyleH posted:

I thought college books were expensive.
I'm the guy who has to keep our plant specification collection up to date. Sometimes they work out at $50+ per page. But you've got to have the latest issue if that's what's meant to be worked to, even if the only change is a correction to an obvious error you already knew about. And no, you don't get any kind of refund or discount of the spec has a mistake in it, you just have to wait for them to fix it and buy the new one.

:rodimus: isn't the half of it. At least most of the proprietary specifications are provided free of charge by customers if you're working on that particular job/programme (and can prove it, of course).

AnomalousBoners
Dec 22, 2007

by Ozma

InitialDave posted:

I'm the guy who has to keep our plant specification collection up to date. Sometimes they work out at $50+ per page. But you've got to have the latest issue if that's what's meant to be worked to, even if the only change is a correction to an obvious error you already knew about. And no, you don't get any kind of refund or discount of the spec has a mistake in it, you just have to wait for them to fix it and buy the new one.

:rodimus: isn't the half of it. At least most of the proprietary specifications are provided free of charge by customers if you're working on that particular job/programme (and can prove it, of course).

hahahah Im the guy who writes the specs!

What sorta plant/specs if you don't mind me asking?

InitialDave
Jun 14, 2007

I Want To Believe.

RealKyleH posted:

What sorta plant/specs if you don't mind me asking?
Specialist fasteners - aerospace, turbines etc.

AnomalousBoners
Dec 22, 2007

by Ozma

InitialDave posted:

Specialist fasteners - aerospace, turbines etc.

Bolts with holes in them? I work for a company that makes the cable to go in the holes among other things.

giundy
Dec 10, 2005

InitialDave posted:

I'm the guy who has to keep our plant specification collection up to date. Sometimes they work out at $50+ per page.

This is why a subscription to IHS Standards Experts is great, just keep a reference copy of everything around. I have no idea how much it costs, but I bet its a lot.

InitialDave posted:

Specialist fasteners - aerospace, turbines etc.

AS series nickle based alloys?

AnomalousBoners
Dec 22, 2007

by Ozma
Any idea where I can buy 2000 grit locally? I plan on doing some paint matching and clean up and 1500 was the best I could do.

Adbot
ADBOT LOVES YOU

frozenphil
Mar 13, 2003

YOU CANNOT MAKE A MISTAKE SO BIG THAT 80 GRIT CAN'T FIX IT!
:smug:

RealKyleH posted:

Any idea where I can buy 2000 grit locally? I plan on doing some paint matching and clean up and 1500 was the best I could do.

Home Depot, Lowes, and WalMart all carry it near me. All of the auto parts stores near me also carry it as well as the paint supply places. What kind of bizarro state do you live in?

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Post
  • Reply