One that you might want to consider is a Thermal Dynamics. They claim to have developed the process of plasma cutting. I have a Cutmaster 38. 220V single phase. It's great. Cuts 1/4" steel like butter.
If you can find a thick enough piece of metal then install a set of drill guides/bushings available from a place like McMaster Carr. It's an easy way to drill straight holes without the cost of buying a magnetic drill press.
I just bought one of these and absolutely love it. It has the lazer pinpount system which shows you right where the drill bit will touch down. Makes it handy for laying things out. Speed range is from 215-2720 RPM and, interestingly, it has two serpentine type belts (ridged) that drive it...
I bought a Thermal Dynamics cutter and it's been absolutely wonderful. I agree with Rustybucket too buy USA and support the economy. But...price for the Thermal Dynamics unit was quite a bit more than the Chinese knock off.
I get my metal from www.metalexpress. They seem to be good to deal with and will cut to order. No minimums either. Another good place to get metal is www.onlinemetals.com.
Try using screw screw machine or "stubby" drill bits. They have a 118 degree split point and tend to get through existing holes much easier than a regular drill. They also stay sharper longer and don't flex as much. Try Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies for...
I've always had good luck with Airgas. Yes, they are a local shop but they usually have what I need and are available to help when I have questions. Shop locally and you'll get help locally which is essential for those of us who are learning TIG or stick welding. I have no idea what the "Arc...
I have a Hobart Handler 120 and have fabbed up a hydraulic motorcycle lift. The welder worked great! Hobart no longer sells the 120 (I believe). They now have the Handler 150.
Hi Bruce,
I don't have experience with LazyCam however, I use Rams Gold for my 'G' code generator. I first draw the piece that I want to make in AutoCad, save it as a .dxf file and then import it into Rams Gold. Rams Gold asks for such things as tool size, path direction, and strategy (as...
I have a Hobart Handler 150 w/gas and a Lincoln Precision Tig 185. The Tig machine will also allow me to stick weld. The learning curve for Tig is very steep. If you're good at oxy/acetelene welding, you'll probably be ok at Tig welding. Many of the same hand/eye skills are required for...
It's been my understanding that fosgene gas is created when welding aluminum for example. I agree that numerous toxic gasses are created when welding. Just an argument for using a respirator.
Something that hasn't been mentioned yet is a respirator. During the welding process dangerous gasses are generated. A good welding supply store or the internet would be a good source for such a mask. As was already mentioned, I don't wear anything but a nomex coat with leather sleeves, an...
To add another option. I have a Hobart Handler 150 which I really like. It runs on 120V so it's very versatile around my property. I've run it on an extension cord with no problems or drop in performance. Some welding supply places like Airgas will allow you to try them out before buying...
I would get a 230V welder from one of the local home improvement centers like Lowes or Home Depot. It helps if you can get a DC welder that puts the electrode on the negative side. This makes welding steel with a stick a lot easier. If you can afford it, I'd settle on one of the small MIG...