Recent content by wkparker

I used jig saws, angle grinders and an abrasive chop saw for years with good results. Once I decided that I wanted *repeatable* sizing (think table legs), I bought an Evolution Rage 3 (https://www.evolutionpowertools.com/us/build/rage3.php) sliding compound miter saw with their metal cutting...

Thanks for the great advice. I'll mostly stick to 20-18-16 gauge material, so it's sounding more and more like TIG is the way to get started.

Thanks. I *hopefully* have plenty of time to practice!

I'm hearing that pretty consistently - thanks.

Great advice - thanks for your time.

Curious about why you feel a TIG would have been more appropriate. Is it because of the control or the size projects you are doing?

Well, that's the thing... I don't know if I want a TIG unit because I don't have any idea what the pros & cons are of MIG vs. TIG for a rank beginner who has no idea what he's doing. I've spent hours on YouTube watching videos, but haven't found a single one that says "oh, you're a beginner...

LOL! Great advice and I appreciate you sticking your neck out. Maybe we'll both learn something!

Nothing huge or super complicated - some pontoon boat railing projects, couple of small platforms for the dock, a kayak lift. Nothing life & limb critical. Sounds like MIG may be the better approach.

Thanks. I see a TIG 200 on their site - is that similar? It's about $1700... way more than I want to spend before I stop outsourcing aluminium work really commit to doing it myself.

I understood about three of those words... :) Did I mention I know nothing about this other than how to use my little Lincoln MIG welder?

Looking for advice on equipment needed to get me started welding aluminium. I have a fair amount of experience welding steel, and own a small Lincoln MIG welder that suffices for my shop projects. A couple of projects I have in mind now would be better if made using aluminium, but I see so...

Beautiful bookcase!

Great project! We have one of those cheap gas firepits and I've wanted something better for a while. You've inspired me.

My compressor is in an outbuilding 30' from my garage. I turn power to it on & off using a solid state relay (SSR) that uses low voltage to switch 120-240VAC. I also added a relay to the motor, which I use to indicate when it is running via an LED indicator in the garage. I used CAT5 (ethernet)...