Is it just me, or are there no real affordable options for being able to cut metal stock precisely in order to get a gap free fit-up on metal parts (for TIG welding) without having to do a bunch of sanding / grinding? I have an Evolution 7 1/4 metal saw and a decent horizontal band saw but I have to...

Sorry I didn't see everybody's response before I painted my latest project. I'll try to get some pics up in the next day or two.

I recently picked up a Klutch Welding Table as an upgrade from my original Harbor Freight folding table and have noticed that the top keeps wanting to rust. Now I know this isn't a fantastic table being a step up from a HF table, but is there a way to keep it from rusting?

I've been practicing my TIG welding for a few months now and am starting to lay down some passable beads on 1/8" thick or better steel. Recently I've been playing with the pulse settings while trying to weld some .05" wall rectangular tubing with fair results. HOWEVER, when I go from weldi...

I started welding with the $90 harbor freight AC hand me down. It's crap, but it can weld. I quickly found a used Miller Thunderbolt and what a blessing that was. Stick is so much easier to learn because you concentrate on welding, not fighting the settings or wire feed problems or the host of othe...

"Run the argon @ ~20CFH. Yeah, I know what you saw/heard on line. I saw it and heard it too. But while you're learning more flow is better. You can dial it back once you get the hang of it." Here's a good one, when I ran through my first tank of Argon in 2 hours I thought that seemed like...

Thanks Alan, it looks like your advise did it!

"Another trick is to "back step" when you add filler. Arc on leading edge, keyhole formed, moved the arc backwards to rear of puddle, add filler, then move forward and push the puddle, pause, back step, add filler, move forward. This can help manage fouling the tungsten, adding appro...

Here's a few pics of my better attempts:

Best fusion weld to date: Best bead with filler rod to date: Attempts at welding Aluminum:

Those cheap HF flux core welders ain't all bad. :roll: :D You just have to recognize the machine's limitations. I bought one over 20 years ago, before they even had cooling fans in them, and it still works to this day. HOWEVER, they are very limited in power (80 AMPs) and require flux core wire. Her...

Beware, this is a long read with lots of questions from a newbie. I'm trying to teach myself to TIG weld with less than spectacular results. I'm a fairly decent MIG welder (along with stick and Oxy-Acetylene from way back), but TIG is driving me crazy. With MIG, heat requirements are pretty much a m...

Beware, this is a long read with lots of questions from a newbie. I'm trying to teach myself to TIG weld with less than spectacular results. I'm a pretty accomplished MIG welder (along with stick and Oxy-Acetylene from way back), but TIG is driving me crazy. With MIG, heat requirements are pretty mu...