Thanks for the tips. At my first opp, I'll try your suggestions. Thanks again.

Screenshot_2.jpg Thanks all for the suggestions. Here are the HTP settings: ARGON: 30 H/F: on pulse: off AC:on 2T Slope down: .1 PRG: .5 POG: 6.0 F: 65/200amps B: 65/200 amps Note: As you can see by the pic, not a pretty site. I have the HTP set at 200 amps with the settings above. The rod metal se...

Great suggestions and questions. I'll need to gather all the data asked for, along with pics and return later. THANK YOU GUYS!!

Hello all: I had a little time to play with my new HTP 221 Invertig welder recently and attempting to lay beads on a flat piece of 4043 aluminum plate (scrap) with 1/16" and 1/8" 4043 aluminum rod. I can't seem to get the plate to start a small puddle to start adding rod to it. I keep the ...

I've learned over the years that buying cheaply made "anything" and especially from China has always bitten me "you know where". So I've also learned that waiting, and researching to the inth degree, to make the right decision has always worked out for me. After hearing many opin...

Thanks for the feedback. Yep, I see you like Everlast quite a bit. Have you used it to weld very lightweight material (iron,steel, aluminum)?

Hi guys (and gals): I haven't posted here in a long time. I've got a Miller 212 MIG 2 years ago but now wishing I had waited to buy a combo MIG/TIG unit. I've read so many reviews my eyes are crossing and now am more confused as ever. I've been looking at the Eastwood, AHP and other Chinese made uni...

Hi guys: I haven't posted here in a long time. I've got a Miller 212 MIG 2 years ago but now wishing I had waited to buy a combo MIG/TIG unit. I've read so many reviews my eyes are crossing and now am more confused as ever. I've been looking at the Eastwood, AHP and other Chinese made units but lear...

Guys: For anyone's future use, here's what I found: Steel weights per foot: http://www.metalworldinc.com/ Calculating the placement of the axle: http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/q/u/qu29891_2_800.jpg After performing the math calc's, I was 1" off my current estimated pla...

Thanks for the replies guys. We don't own bathroom scales but those are great ideas. I may end up buying a couple of them for this purpose.

Hello ya'll: I'm building a new utility trailer (my first) and have seen formula's based on trailer and tongue weight as to where to place the axle. While I have measured axle placement on trailers at Lowe's and Tractor Supply, I wanted to be very sure of axle placement before welding the brackets. ...

A few thoughts: I don't know your financial situation or your time constraints, but if possible, have you given thought to offering to work at any of these shops (FOR FREE) for 1 week to show them your capabilities? This would "put your foot in the door" and could lead to something more pe...

Hilarious !! Thanks for the laughs.

I'm trying to equate your settings to a Miller MIG and having difficulty. I've noticed that TIG was mentioned in this article. Were your samples ONLY done using TIG? I may be asking a dumb question but being a newbie, that's goes with that territory.

Thanks for the recommendations. I've checked out all of your recommendations. Looks like very nice tools. Now to decide which "toy" to go with.

Thanks Nick. I'll keep that type of certification in my back pocket for now. I'm reading/viewing the posts and video's on this site and applying them in my work shop to hone my skills. I agree with you that if I can perform decently on projects, I'll keep my Miller 212 welder in my shop for personal...

Hello ya'll. I've viewed both of the tools mentioned in this forum topic for possible consideration to purchase to cut tube joints. I'm currently using my drill press along with adjustable clamps to keep the pipe stationary. This works on 1/8" wall aluminum pipe. Anything above that thickness, ...

Glad to see this thread. I'm gathering equipment NOW so that years down the road when I retire I will have something to keep me occupied (that is: IF I retire). I'm considering doing the small trailer (small enough for an atv to pull it if necessary) with a mig and portable generator. Currently I'm ...

Another one that appears to be fairly nice, can add a table to it as well. Though the price is a little high.
http://www.trick-tools.com/Femi_782XL_B ... 9ytefldX57

Guys: I was at Harbor Freight last night and saw a small horiz/vert bandsaw for around $269. I've stayed away from H/F in the past just because of the poor quality. I've also looked at Jet B/S's for around $600. While I have many projects currently that may not last so I'm trying to justify the cost...

Thanks Jonathan. I'll post some closeups as soon as it stops raining. A daily occurrence lately. To pick your brain before then: I'm having great difficulty with inside corners once the primary piece is welded on the boat. Then I measure the remaining pieces and add to it. I'm attempting to weld the...

I'm grounding on the platform very close to the weld itself.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm working on 2 projects today alone with my MIG/spoolgun. Thanks goodness my grinder is handy to correct the mistakes and re-try it. I'll post pictures later but no closeups. Too embarrassing.

Excellent thoughts and suggestions. Currently, I'm at the point of trying to weld aluminum, making it work for what I'm trying to do without burning holes that I can't patch and yet achieve my goals. These goals are some I've had for 15 years so after laying some nice beads on the bench I am very an...

Great comments from all. THANKS MUCH !!