Some people were curious about what my shop looks like, so here is a video tour. It seems that I was really rambling, since this video turned out much longer than expected.
Very nice. I worry (perhaps too much) about mixing activities in the same room - welding sparks finding sawdust, swarf and metal grinding dust finding oscilloscopes, etc.
I'm curious what you do use to cut plastic since you expressed disappointment with the miter saw.
Anonymous, I use a table saw with a high-end carbide-tipped blade, and a sled for most acrylic cutting. The blade is fairly thick and also has wide carbide tips to provide clearance with the blade body. The action of using a sled also is much less prone to binding than using a compound miter saw.
In your video you mention having to repair your Tig welder. I remember seeing them as well. Searching yielded nothing.
I let my miller dynasty 300dx go when I sold my business, and I can't stomach the cost of a 350dx. I'd like to get one of these 'cheap' plasma/tig machines, but I really want to refresh my memory about your troubles. I have an old miller aircrafter 330st, but I don't relish the task of going back to a sine wave machine when welding aluminum.
I must ask though: what is the heaviest gauge aluminum you have welded with this machine, and did/do you continue to hold the torch by the ceramic cup?
scienkoptic, a good rule-of-thumb is 1 amp per .001" material thickness. However, aluminum conducts heat so well, you need more current for aluminum. I'd say 1/8" aluminum can be welded comfortably, and 3/16" might be possible with some struggling. It depends on the size of the piece. For high current, I use a traditional gas cup, and hold the torch farther away if it gets too hot.
Hi Ben: Nice shop! If you had it to do over, would you still buy the Everlast welder? I'm in the process of buying a welder now and am wondering about the robustness of these machines. You have done some very pretty welding with it, but I gather you've had some problems too. Any second thoughts you can share? Thanks, G.T.
Anonymous, I'd probably buy the Everlast again. It's true that it needed repairs and is generally a quirky machine, but a Miller Dynasty costs 3-4 times as much money. If I were working professionally, and using the welder to make money, I would probably choose the Miller, and also get a water-cooled torch. For hobby and occasional odd-jobs, this machine is fine.
Such a nice shop -- I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteWhat made you give up your MRI-related business?
Rob, I am part of the new hardware team at Valve Corporation. Valve is an amazing place, and I couldn't miss the opportunity to work there.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. I worry (perhaps too much) about mixing activities in the same room - welding sparks finding sawdust, swarf and metal grinding dust finding oscilloscopes, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious what you do use to cut plastic since you expressed disappointment with the miter saw.
Anonymous, I use a table saw with a high-end carbide-tipped blade, and a sled for most acrylic cutting. The blade is fairly thick and also has wide carbide tips to provide clearance with the blade body. The action of using a sled also is much less prone to binding than using a compound miter saw.
ReplyDeleteNice shop Ben! I like how you share it with people who are interested in. Thank you
ReplyDeleteIn your video you mention having to repair your Tig welder. I remember seeing them as well. Searching yielded nothing.
ReplyDeleteI let my miller dynasty 300dx go when I sold my business, and I can't stomach the cost of a 350dx. I'd like to get one of these 'cheap' plasma/tig machines, but I really want to refresh my memory about your troubles. I have an old miller aircrafter 330st, but I don't relish the task of going back to a sine wave machine when welding aluminum.
scienkoptic, the video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJksVs2QT5Q
ReplyDeleteGood luck! -Ben
thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteI must ask though: what is the heaviest gauge aluminum you have welded with this machine, and did/do you continue to hold the torch by the ceramic cup?
scienkoptic, a good rule-of-thumb is 1 amp per .001" material thickness. However, aluminum conducts heat so well, you need more current for aluminum. I'd say 1/8" aluminum can be welded comfortably, and 3/16" might be possible with some struggling. It depends on the size of the piece. For high current, I use a traditional gas cup, and hold the torch farther away if it gets too hot.
ReplyDeleteHi Ben: Nice shop! If you had it to do over, would you still buy the Everlast welder? I'm in the process of buying a welder now and am wondering about the robustness of these machines. You have done some very pretty welding with it, but I gather you've had some problems too. Any second thoughts you can share?
ReplyDeleteThanks, G.T.
Anonymous, I'd probably buy the Everlast again. It's true that it needed repairs and is generally a quirky machine, but a Miller Dynasty costs 3-4 times as much money. If I were working professionally, and using the welder to make money, I would probably choose the Miller, and also get a water-cooled torch. For hobby and occasional odd-jobs, this machine is fine.
ReplyDelete