Search results

Are 0.065" thick 304 stainless headers likely to crack (in use on the car) if TIG welded without filler? I will be running an argon back purge and will ensure full penetration and a gold weld color. It seems that there are two schools of thought out there. I am not sure what to believe. Note...

I am currently building up a set of headers for my single carby (40DCOE) car. The engine I am building is notorious for running lean on #4 (it is a 4 cylinder) due to the design of the intake manifold. I am wondering from a theoretical stand point whether there is merit in adding a sharper bend...

I am currently fabricating a custom set of headers for my car. I have been thinking of duplicating my mild steel mockup in stainless. I have read about this paste called "Solar Flux" that one can paint on the inside of the tube prior to welding. Apparently this creates a good purge inside the...

Over the weekend I spent some time TIG welding an exhaust I am building. I was sitting at a bench with florescent ceiling lights behind me. For some reason sometimes when I created the arc I would get flashed (the helmet would not auto-darken until way too late momentarily blinding me). This did...

I am considering finally ditching the abrasive saw and taking the plunge and purchasing a Cold Saw (wet) for metal cutting. I am considering purchasing a cold saw manufactured in the far east (western world saws are well outside my budget). I want to hear from anyone that owns one of these...

I am having issues locating 30 degree mandrel bends in stainless. I found some on Ebay but unfortunately the quality was poor. I have contacted a bunch of places but sill no luck. These are for an exhaust system with the goal being to keep the bends as "straight" as possible. The 30 degree bends...

I need to remove some pretty ugly burrs on stainless pipe (care of a Dewalt dry abrasive saw) of 1 5/8 diameter. Hand filing is extremely slow going. Sanding drums are ineffectual. I have not tried a carbide burr yet. Does anyone have a good quick way to clean up the pipe?

Do you wear a mask when working in the shop welding and grinding? What is the mask spec that you use?

I am currently doing a resto on a car from the 70's. I have a few small holes and surface blemishes that I am cleaning up and need to fill. I am thinking of using some Silicon Bronze to do the job. I think the risk of blowing a hole using standard mild steel filler is too great. The lower heat...

I have been building a few steel boxes (500mm x 750mm x 150mm) out of 16 gauge (1.2mm) steel sheet. I have been cutting the sheet with some Bahco tin snips. Whilst somewhat effective these are killing my hands. I used a nibbler drill attachment but it was a bit slow and spewed metal shards...

I just read (with great excitement) a news article on the new Masters stores (a new hardware chain starting in Australia) will be stocking Stahlwille tools. I am not sure what connection this has with Lowes. Lowes were apparently providing a bunch of stock as it is a partnership. Do Lowes stock...

I am on the hunt for a good air die grinder (pencil type) for porting work. So far all I have come up with is Dotco and IR (made in China!). Recommend some other good quality air die grinders (pencil type) for porting. Looking for Made in the USA or Europe. No Chinese/Taiwanese stuff.

If you had a choice between Koken or KTC (not Nepros) which brand would you go with and why?

I recently purchased a stud remover set. Whilst using these stud removers I noticed that they were squashing the threads on the studs (6 or 8mm studs) I was removing. Is this normal for stud removers? What is the trick for tightening (or removing) engine studs without squashing the threads?

I have come across some BGS Technic tools from socket sets to plier sets. The vendor states that they are "Manufactured in Germany". Is this true? I thought BGS Technic were a German company selling Asian import tools?

As the title says, how safe are auto parts washers? On the surface running 110 to 240volts into a pump that is submerged in all sorts of chemicals is potentially asking to get electrocuted :shocking: I thought that parts washer pumps would be running 12 volts (safe voltage). Over time the seals...

I am working on a project that requires a Bore Gage. I need metric measurement between 50-150mm. I have checked use-enco.com and Ebay but I am struggling to find a decent brand (Mitutoyo, Sunnen, Starrett) in that range without breaking the bank. Where do you buy your precision instruments and...

I have a few new Stahlwille spanners (both deep offset and open end). They are all finished in the same manner with a textured finish. I am wondering if this finish is due to the oil quenching that the spanners under go?

I recently purchased a bunch of Proto tools online. Having received the tools today I am not sure what to make of them. I am not sure if these are genuine proto or poor copies. The finishing is a bit of a shock. I am looking for some feedback on if these are real or fakes. What year they would...

I purchased some Facom half moon spanners and I am a bit suspicious as they lack any "made in" or country name on them. I read that they might be made by Toptul in Taiwan. Could this be true?