Thanks again. I don't think the stud welding will work as the wire part has an irregular shape, but it was a good idea. The project might start out a little 'garage-ish' but before long I'd be needing higher output, and conditions to match. The drill-press idea is interesting - maybe I can use that ...

Thanks Mick. That might be an option, though the part has an awkward shape that could be a problem for volume, or might involve a large and more expensive machine, which is not where I want to go at this stage. Makes a lot of sense for large volumes when set up. Certainly worth investigating. There ...

G'day, While I did a little gas and stick welding at school and I can still do very ugly welds in a pinch, what I need now is some advice of a machine welder. Right now, I'm building a part that I could either contract out to a specialty shop, or invest in equipment and do it in-house. For the part ...