Recent content by TheLoamRanger

I bought a Hobart 190 back in January and have put quite a few hours on it so far on a Jeep rebuild (overall limited MIG experience before hand, much more TIG experience). I like it - simple and effective, with very good setup instructions (might be worth taking a quick look at each manual...

I'll get a bunch of those Wright flare nut wrenches eventually. I have their standard combo wrenches, which are amazing. When access isn't a significant issue, I've used my Knipex plierswrench multiple times on these fittings to keep from rounding them off. I definitely like the custom vise grip...

Gerald, this is great. Thank you! I tend to forget abrasive blasting is an option. I really like that idea, and I think I have a good friend with one I could use. That will probably address my main concern about getting clean metal without grinding it too thin. I can cut up some sheet this...

Thanks for posting those pics! I'm about to attempt some similar rust repairs. It is looking like 6 pieces I will need to splice in, less than 1 sq ft each, horizontal and vertical positions (basically 2 corner junctions of the body tub). Currently I only have a TIG and I am decent enough with...

I have a Joe's gauge that I really like, except that it doesn't read right anymore. I liked it enough at the time that I bought one for my dad. Well, something happened to mine and it now reads low. I take good care of my tools and don't remember ever dropping or bumping it. My dad's still works...

Same here. I spent half a day in Seki (almost a decade ago) and never even considered looking for nail clippers! I was just awestruck by all of the really cool knives at the couple shops I went to. Came home with a really cool forged damascus santoku and a whole bunch of feather razors.

I have some Tekton stuff, and it is definitely decent for the money. That's one of the first brands I look at if I want a value-oriented tool (i.e., something I won't use daily/weekly). I echo the above statements though. I strongly prefer 6 point sockets for any hex bolts/nuts over 12 point...

@Citation: Thanks for being the voice of reason. I just checked out the motor and pressure switch in more detail. Looks like I'm adding a mag starter now. The pressure switch is only rated for 3HP single phase (5 HP three phase) and no thermal protection on the motor.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Picture attached. I will hardwire it in. It actually came with a disconnect switch that I mistakenly thought was a mag starter in the CL photo, and the seller wasn't knowledgeable on the specifics over the phone. While I did want a mag starter, I'll just run...

You should get on that G0704 conversion! I did one a few years back and it was really fun. I converted to belt drive and stepper-driven CNC. That machine isn't super rigid or powerful - some common themes on this thread with smaller machines - but it can certainly do a lot of work with a little...

I just meant that he brought it by for me to test under power. I plugged it into my 50A welding outlet to test (NEMA 6-50 receptacle, 50A circuit.). In my actual install, I was planning on hard wiring it in with a disconnect, rather than using a plug. If there is little value I could be...

Thanks for all of the replies everyone! Sorry for the late reply - got pretty busy. There is a lot of good info here. I called the seller of that Champion with the R15 pump. He didn't have it under power, but he casually mentioned he'd bring it by on his flat bed for me to wire up in my garage...

Agreed. As nice as the bigger machines are, not everyone uses them. They take up a lot of space and are a pain to move. Smaller machines are usually pretty easy to resell when you decide you want to upgrade. If you use it enough, you'll become familiar with the limitations and what you want to...

@Blake: I guess quiet is relative. I'm just looking to keep it quiet as far as piston compressors go. Oil lube with low rpm pump & motor. I can always implement additional mitigations from there as necessary. Air is important enough to me that I'll make room if it's a good unit! Old iron from...

Hey All, Background: I've been looking for quite some time for a new-to-me compressor. Based on my air needs, a single phase 5 HP two stage is what I'm looking for but I would also consider a 7.5 HP if the price was right. My two main goals are low noise and built to last. I was originally...