Based on a recent post on another project I might use Flood Penetrol to seal it rather than my plan for rattle can. Does that sound like a good idea? And I’ll definitely be reinforcing the tacks now. Maybe I can make th feet out of 1/4” angle iron and run it as a continuous length that rises from th...

I’m building a fire pit ring for the backyard out of 14 gauge steel. It’s two rings rolled so they can be the inner and outer circumference and a ‘donut’ for the top. I’ll add a gas fire element and some glass rock to the top. 6456C5D9-C008-4E98-BD2D-3B37CFF36CA3.jpeg I have two questions 1: I tacke...

Cool idea! I'd personally would try to aim for the 'lived in' look that most StarWars gear has with various white, grey and 'dirty' patches: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/f/ff/ATST-SWBdice.png And see if you can perhaps add some detailing on the seat section with paint to copy...

Shiny metal. Hit it with Flood Penetrol to prevent flash rusting. Skip the clear coat. Rattle can paint still needs a primer or mechanical "tooth" for proper adhesion. If you polish it up, and expect it to remain so under the clear, the clear will fail. You'd need to scuff it up somewhat,...

My son picked the project and we are working together as he learns woodworking, welding, painting, etc. we are making a chair for his desk that will look like an AT-ST walker from Star Wars. Pics are below. I planned on painting the whole thing military gray but my wife thinks the shiny legs look co...

After trying to salvage my Hobart Handler 120 I decided it wasn't worth the expense to have the rectifier and board replaced. I started looking at the variety of different Lincoln 140 options based on a connection that had a deal on a PowerMig 140. Maybe my research can save someone else the headach...

After consulting a few people I decided (sadly) that it would cost more to fix the machine than it was worth. Parts are hard to find and expensive. It's like the rectifier and the board. Now I'm looking into a Lincoln electric powermig 140 or the Weld Pak 140. I'm trying to figure out the difference...

I was using my Hobart Handler 120 for a few hours with no problems when it started acting up. It would only produce a very small "spark" with very piddly intensity. The wire feed was fine at first. Then it got worse and I got only an initial light spark when I pulled the trigger with no cu...

I'm looking at buying a new welding helmet with a larger viewing area. Mine is the smaller rectangle size. Is HF a good place to buy a safe auto darkening helmet? I just got a 25% coupon and would like to use it, if a helmet from HF won't lead to blindness.

What makes a flowmeter an upgrade? It strikes me as more likely to break when my son throws something in my garage. Is it more accurate or easy to adjust accurately? And with the regulator being so much more expensive, why would anyone chose that option? I ask out of ignorance, like most of my conve...

When switching out an empty tank for a new/full one (75/25) I had a problem with the regulator. Forgive my ignorance on the correct names for these things, but... When I turned on the new tank pressure (the regulator was already attached) I think I may have done it too quickly. There is hole about 1...

We have a weight tree that we wanted wheels on. The 2x4 first try collapsed after a few months. So of course I pulled out the Hobart Handler 120, some scrap 'u' channel from the local supply store and go for it. Here is the original IMG_1348.JPG Cut in half, the 'u' channel needed a little cleaning ...

Thanks for all of the input. I think I will stay away from aluminum. I'm a hobbyist at best and don't need to put out the expense of a new machine or the accessories needed for the specialty metals right now. I do enjoy welding and am always looking for a reason to get out there and play around and ...

Thanks for all of the input. I'm new enough that some of that went over my head. Here is my take away. 1. I probably need a second bottle for just argon. 2. I need to buy a spool of aluminum filler wire 3. I might need new rollers for feeding the wire (I don't know if my machine has knurled or 'V') ...

I have a simple Hobart Handler 120 and I use 75/25 gas for MIG welding. I'm a very new welder and have been learning on some very simple fabrication projects. My wife has a project or 2 for me that might work best in aluminum (I may have to use sheet metal instead). Is it possible to use my set-up t...

I'm learning MIG welding with a small hobart 120 and am mostly farting around with some scrap parts and making some simple projects to learn different aspects. I see people making little creative figures and sculptures out of miscellaneous bolts, nuts and such. When making these things, how would I ...

I'm a new welder and I have a small Hobart Handler 140. It doesn't have the specific voltage listed on the dial, just 1, 2, 3. I know I should get more specific measurements to ensure quality welds, but... I have only cursory experience with using a multimeter and I have no idea how to test for volt...

I have built around 15 different stands out of 1" or 1.5" 11gauge angle and I have done both coped and mitered, and for the strength of the 11 gauge (1/8") material I don't find that the extra time to cope the material is worth it. I use a carbide chop saw to miter the corners. On th...

I've heard the harbor freight version is one of the few redeeming tools there and worth the $. But I've already sunk a bit more than expected into this process. The Long Haired General may balk at another $100.

exnailpounder wrote: Mitering looks amateurish.

As a lifelong woodworker that runs against everything I know, but I'm still learning the rules around here.

The only bandsaw I have is a table top woodworking version. I'm not sure if I can put in a metal blade and use it for this purpose. I'm cutting with either a grinder (7 or 4.5") or chop saw (not exactly an accuracy tool). I've seen someone cope with a hand held jig saw but I can see that costin...

I'm a new welder but I have a project I'm working towards. I want to use angle iron and steel mesh to create some gabion structures. I plan to use 1.5 x 1.5 x 1/8th inch angle iron with 3" steel mesh. When creating 90 degree corners I've seen the miter versus cope debate on this and other forum...

I'm about 3 months into welding after some training from an uncle and scouring the interwebs. I'm welding on an older Hobart handler 140 but love fabricating and the learning process. My welds are just beginning to not look like pigeon poop and I stumble onto the occasional quality weld. So far the ...