Recent content by Bdflies

A supervisor who thinks he’s saving money by not replacing consumables, is a perfect example of The Peter Principle. Early in my career (at our family owned welding supply), I did service work on customers equipment. Many calls were complaints about MIG equipment not working well. I always...

We used to sell Mystic Metal Mover. Amazing stuff, for about everything except aluminum. For aluminum, the same folks produced Alumicut, which also worked well. I still have and use both. I’ve heard that the new stuff may not be the same formula. Can’t say for sure. Bill

In that case, I stand corrected. I’m familiar with more traditional and 'package' heat pumps, like the one in my shop. I was under the impression that mini splits had similar characteristics. Thanks for the information.

Heat pumps aren’t very good at heating, when ourdoor temps are below about 45. At that point, auxiliary heat strips kick in. Then, you’re powering the compressor, heat strips and the air handler. Seems to me that O P would be better off with a good stand alone plug in heater, that’ll easily...

As the former owner of a welding supply company, who signed checks for a LOT of $$, buying cylinders, much of this discussion made me cringe. Acetylene cylinders, from MC to the bigger 420’s and every high pressure cylinder, is expensive. When re-certified, they’re safe and perform a very...

Mine didn’t settle down and stay adjusted until I’d lifted a fair number of times. I’m reluctant to say that the cables 'stretch', but they need to see tension. Bill

I’ve got 2 of them. This one was modded, previously and will never truly be a resto candidate. I’ve been torn between a warmed over L-28 install vs an LS swap. I have an Asian devil on one shoulder and a Chevy devil on the other! They’re both very convincing! The 2nd 240Z is a pristine...

Not sure if this qualifies as a tool, in the usual sense, but I got a rotisserie! Man, is this great!

Seems as though ^ answered the OP better than I could, but I figured to lend a suggestion. When I installed my 2 post, I ran a 120v duplex receptacle down each post. Incredibly useful for lights or battery maintainer. You seem to be at that stage. Just a thought. Bill

I have an Atlas ATPK-PV9PX, bought from Greg Smith. I installed it 3 years ago and have used it regularly. Without a doubt, among the "best value for the dollar" tools! Bill

"85/15 on the stainless"? Are you saying that you run 85% Argon/15% Carbon Dioxide with "stainless"? That’s an awful lot of CO2! If my assumption about your blend is wrong, what gases then?

Looking back at MANY years of collecting a lot of tools, the lift has been the best value for my $$ ever! Enjoy! Bill

At my previous shop, I did exactly as suggestd by the OP. The LP gas cylinders are proof pressure tested to 2x rated pressure (DOT 4L240 is tested to 480 psi) for recertification. So, the compressor pressure is no problem. I mounted mine upside down, and made a drain stub with a tee at the...

Hand held spray bottles of WD40, Silikroil and Corrosion X. Bill

Worked on my 'extremely high quality' Harbor Freight milling / drilling machine. A while back, I just got fed up with the hassle of swapping belts for speed change, so I installed a VFD and 3 phase motor. Huge improvement! After that, I put an eBay digital tach just to marvel at the...