My new welding cart Diversion 165

My new welding cart Diversion 165 Updated Pics 5-7-12

Ive been monkeying around with Google Sketch Up a little bit and have designed myself a new cart for the Diversion 165. Ive got about 2 hours in this not including all the thinking Ive been doing for the past 2 weeks. I'm going to go get the metal tomorrow (1" square tube) and hopefully I can start cutting tomorrow evening. I might miter the corners, but at this point I think I should just keep it simple and buy a few plugs to fill in the holes.

I oversized the platform for the welder a little bit to give me some wiggle room if I ever get a different machine.

I also plan to add some extras like cord cord hooks, helmet hanger hook, and a place to store the torch.

The tank storage area is large enough to hold another tank if need be and the spot under the machine holds the foot pedal.

I tried to give myself a little room behind the machine to add storage tubes for rod, but I may have squeezed it too tight. I figure Ill cross the bridge when I get there. I can probably just shorten the machine platform a little bit, but Im not sure because the machine may hit the tubes because of the angle on it. If that doesnt work I can add the tubes to the side or in the back next to the tank.

The area on the bottom has also been sized for drawers from an old craftsman box that I have laying around. I may get around to adding those, but at this point its still in the air.

All of this sits on some nice double locking medical casters I picked on ebay for $35 shipped.looks like he raised his prices a bit

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=7338a1822270f22122237757e1ed2049

Here they are

Picked up the metal today, but I got lazy and didnt get anything cut, hopefully Ill have a little steam left over after work tomorrow and Ill get the parts for the base cut. I have about 47.3' of material here and for some reason I only bought 48' I think Im cutting it close, but I may end up leaving some of the bracing off depending on how rigid it is, or I might just use some of the 3/4 I have already

plans look good..involved..here is what I did as far as a rod holder..and tank mounting...

Nice design. Looks good and simple to build and probably made with what, $40 in steel? I prefer miters myself, if you have a good cold cut miter saw. Your comment about using old craftsman drawers gives me an idea. I have a beat to pi$$ craftsman top box I've been considering getting rid of, it's so rough, but it's an older box and it's stout. Maybe I'll scalp the drawers and set them aside and just junk the body of the toolbox.

Looks like a solid plan! I'd def add in 2 150cf bottle brackets (Appears that you accounted for 2 bottles width-wise) and also add in rod holder. Also think about how you'll push it around, I wish I had a handle on my cart. It will get one added on eventually.

You may consider using 1x1/8" angle iron, its pretty cheap (I pay $0.92/ft) and very rigid. If you use square, I'd consider using a size down from 1/8" to keep weight down. My cart is -very- strong and used about ~25 linear feet of 1x1/8" angle.



(Being my rig is a MIG, no dual bottles and no filler holders. The future Div180 cart will sport dual bottles and filler holders for sure, but for the moment I would be doing all bottle swaps against the wall.)

I cant figure out how to save Sketch up models as a viewable file, so for now I have included a link to the 3D warehouse where it can be viewed.

If someone knows how to save these files as something viewable, please let me know

Click to expand...

Top tool Bar

Select
FILE
Scroll down to
EXPORT
Select
2D Graphic

You should then have the option of saving as a JPEG.
How it appears on the screen is how its exported

Nice cart design BTW

racingtadpole said:

Top tool Bar

Select
FILE
Scroll down to
EXPORT
Select
2D Graphic

You should then have the option of saving as a JPEG.
How it appears on the screen is how its exported

Nice cart design BTW

Click to expand...

Thanks I kept trying to export 3D models and it only had sketchup extensions

Mostly finished up

Im a slow worker and I dont have much time for fun things so it took a little longer than expected. Here is some of the build up.

I know some of my welds are ugly while some came out pretty good. I only have a few hours of seat time with tig. I almost made it a game to weld in different positions. Because of that I've learned what works for me and what doesn't and it really really shows. Ill let you guess which one of the weld pics I was in a comfortable position

Looks good!

I need to make a welding cart for mine. I got one with the machine (used) but i want to make my own, like you i want proper space for all rods and accessories. What did you use to mitre the joints?

Also saw you have a Strong Hand Nomad, how do you like it? Been looking at getting one (or a pair) just need the money to get them now. I get the impression that Strong Hand make really good stuff, but it isn't so easy to find here.

Looks Good! I jealous of your gear, Im thinking of selling my Bobcat and picking up a Mig, Tig and Plasma cutter. I live on Florida and the only reason I'm hanging on to it the generator is nice thing to have.

kald said:

Looks Good! I jealous of your gear, Im thinking of selling my Bobcat and picking up a Mig, Tig and Plasma cutter. I live on Florida and the only reason I'm hanging on to it the generator is nice thing to have.

Click to expand...

Keep the Bobcat and add to your toy collection. Generator will run a 211 too.

Nice job, welds are good for just starting. What gas you using ?

srmofo said:

Im a slow worker and I dont have much time for fun things so it took a little longer than expected. Here is some of the build up.

I know some of my welds are ugly while some came out pretty good. I only have a few hours of seat time with tig. I almost made it a game to weld in different positions. Because of that I've learned what works for me and what doesn't and it really really shows. Ill let you guess which one of the weld pics I was in a comfortable position

Click to expand...

Your on the right track srmofo. All you need is practice. Your welds are strong and you seem to be fusing well. Work on your starts and finishes. At first you establish your weld width and height then you start moving. At the end you cut back a bit on heat gradually and you won't get that pin hole. I like to cut back and move the arc to the side to end my welds.
An ideal position for welding is flat but in real life you don't get that all the time.
In time you'll learn to weld out of position with ease.

aww, the fun part of welding, making a cart.. mine was one of my first projects. didn't do a lot of planning just made sure the welder fit on the top... here's mine