OMG Jody!!!! ZT has some great looking stuff and so does Zap, but if the integrity of the weld is good and it is functional it should also have a decent appearance too. The well manicured stack o dimes is a waste of time, is your paying customer willing to pay for art or do they want it welded so it...

I have used an old broke down refridgerator with a 100w light bulb installed to keep rods dry, but I guess it depends where you live and the climate. This might not work too well in Canada, but Florida would be okay. The humidity in Fla is killer. You need a rod oven with a seal to prevent the air ...

GSR, You have a serious need for multiple welders actually. Sheet metal is really suited for MIG while intercoolers and sharge piping really lend themselves to TIG, but motor mounts really work best in thick section materials with stick. Most of what you wish to do is not very difficult, but will re...

Jody, How did you determine that the owner bottles of Argon are more affected with moisture? I have been battling a contamination issue that may be from that, talk about a timely solution to an ongoing problem. Question is, how do we compell the LWS to supply us decent gas, especially at the high pr...

Not to be a buzz kill or anything but why would you risk an oil out and engine job for a few welding bucks? Too large of a chance that it will leak or crack at some later time and you will be liable since you welded it. If an oil pan is damaged I replace it with the factory approved part with new ga...

I adjust mine when the gas is flowing. It may waste a little gas but I am sure I am getting coverage and it purges the lines prior to actually welding. I used to set it and forget it but found that the setting was too low because once the trigger was pulled the line pressure went down. Give it a try...

I loved my last job. It was never the same from day to day but you were going to work 12 hours on or in something. Didnt matter what came along if it was damaged in combat and not mission capable they brought it to us and we had 24 hours to get it going. It was 135 during the summer and snowed in th...

Maxeah, You are likely to end up spending a ton of money trying to turn a D/C into A/C machine. You would be better off just selling the DC and buying an AC ready equiped to do what you want. Unfortunately this is where the LWS and the sales people are still the best bet for good info on how and wha...

HTP America has some very solid values in some of their equipment but needs a lot more exposure and experience before it will be considered a match for Miller or Lincoln types of equipment. Every person I have spoken with has a TIG 201 or the Mig in the same range and has had nothing but good things...

Roland, If your cables are very old and starting to crack in the insulation they will arc and spark quit a bit, especially if using high freq to start an arc. Taping is a temp fix, replacement is the way to go. If you can afford the coin make a couple of sets of 25 footers and rig em with quick conn...

Being a humble, teachable soul has many benefits. You have discovered one of the many. When I was much younger and knew it all I suffered from the "fine, do it your way" treatment from the old timers and really had a struggle to achieve them minimum standards. After I learned that I did no...

Hammer, I;m with you. Jody puts a lot of time effort and expense into this endeavour so I give the dude two thumz up just for the effort he puts out in addition to holding a job and taking care of a family.
Bob

I painted my table with OSPHO from sherwin Williams. Stinks and smokes a bit if you directly heat the table but that cured the rust issue. I just touch up where I damage the coating and continue to march. Dont know if it is toxic, but I avoid as much xmoke and funes as I xan since I have COPD anyway...

Jody had an issue with his and called tech and they had him adjust the spark gap and move a metal clamp to eliminate a hard or rough arc start. Same issue, inconsistent start, arc wander and sputters. Worth givin the tech guy a call and see what they can suggest.
Bob

Could very well be contamination, or depletion of the rare earth elements. Another possibility is that the tip is ground round ways instead of long ways too. If you can give us more info it will be easier to track down and help. Things like material, amps, gas and flow rate, machine settings and pol...

Could very well be contamination, or depletion of the rare earth elements. Another possibility is that the tip is ground round ways instead of long ways too. If you can give us more info it will be easier to track down and help. Things like material, amps, gas and flow rate, machine settings and pol...

Otto hit it on the head. You can get an anemometer at Radio Shack, but why waste the money. If you feel a breeze the shielding gas is generally gone. With a shop that big you just need movement, like Otto said dilution will do the rest. Have a great and happy day!!!
Bob

Pro tools has the beast, but for general occasional use the HF does a good enough job. Once you upgrade though, you will never go back
Bob

Delray your gonna have to help us help you. What is your ceiling height, is your ceiling open or covered? How many cubic feet are in the shop? Once we get the basics then an exchange rate that will protect your lungs can be calculated. The max allowable concentrations on some stuff we use commonly i...

Dusty, I got limited tig skills, but your gas is wrong. Also if you are doing DC, make sure you are using the correct polarity so you dont put too much heat into the electrode. But definately get some pure Argon, it will make a world of difference.
Bob

I have an older Craftsman rethreading set that has metric and imperial in course and fine. I am very happy with the quality, and the fitted case definately helps alert you to a missing or misplaced tap or die. I think it cost about 160 when new, it was and is well worth the price of admission. Just ...

I was gonna say I had a .308 policy, but I got allstate too. I carry actual value replacent on all of my stuff since inflation makes em more expensive every year. Cost a little more but eliminates tha hassle getting them replaced. Just have to make sure I keep the inventory current or they wont cove...

I prefer to do the one pass with filler when I do thin walled stuff. If you go without it seems to thin the metal at the weld too much and makes it prone to vibration failure in the near future. But thats just me, Youre mileage may vary depending on your techniques and ability. I'm not a great or ev...

I guess they finally figured out that it was costing them money to sell the stuff to unqualified folks and have all the damaged and unwanted units returned for refunds. I hate to see an outlet for supplies go away especially one that is open on sunday, but thats the way of the world in retail anymor...

Jody, youve had the 256 for a bit., Any new developements, shortcomings or issues since you repaired the HF point gap and moved the cable? Just wondered if it was still performing up to your standard or if you had anything new to report. Thanks!
Bob