new toy - inverter welding machine

[sjcc]

recently i got a new inverter welding machine and about to try it for the first time. i'd like to make metal sculpture of some sort and if there are anyone out there who have some experience in making metal sculptures, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. cheers~

[bslee]

Yup, nice "toy". Arc welder isn't it? very dangerous toy for the inexperienced and not taking full protection from serious burns. Please don't emulate how lots of fellas who do metal welding thinking their unprotected body is immune to accidents. As with pro tools, hope you're knowledgeable of fundamentals and safety aspect when operating these industrial tools.
I wanted to buy one but never found real purpose for it other than spot repairs.
Good luck!

[sjcc]

thank you for the advice and yes, i will not undermine the safety issues related to this "new toy". cheers~

[bslee]

I'm looking into some buying some new toys too.
1. A reputable brand Drill press.
2. Angle grinder holder - so it'll be an effective cut off grinder, can cut small diameter metal tubes accurately.
Already got a Bosch angle grinder and this holder will expand its use other than grinding metal bits off.

Why? Going to build a precision metal jig and upcoming audio electronic project.
Phew!...counting all my professional power tools, wifey is going to create merry hell for me soon. Some women just won't understand anything about this.

[Invisbleman]

nonsense..! who give you the ideal that women somehow are alienated from the activity or interest of 'power tools' ? does it makes you any macho by thinking like that..hope not all man thinks like you...

[Hiliary]

Makes sense, most women will never understand, as most men will never understand why women need more than 2 pairs of shoes, or 50 odd lipsticks.
Some cannot see, or be seen i guess

[Hiliary]

recently i got a new inverter welding machine and about to try it for the first time. i'd like to make metal sculpture of some sort and if there are anyone out there who have some experience in making metal sculptures, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. cheers~

Lucky you! My problem with getting new toys is where to put them? I wish i had space for an engine hoist, real workbench, small lathe, small milling machine etc.

I wonder if people would be interested in a small workshop set up that could be rented by the hour as found in Europe and the USA?

[Hiliary]

I'm looking into some buying some new toys too.
1. A reputable brand Drill press.
2. Angle grinder holder - so it'll be an effective cut off grinder, can cut small diameter metal tubes accurately.
Already got a Bosch angle grinder and this holder will expand its use other than grinding metal bits off.
will this holder fix the angle grinder or does it move? If it moves i want one

Why? Going to build a precision metal jig and upcoming audio electronic project.
Amps, preamps? Know anyone that can make horns?
Phew!...counting all my professional power tools, wifey is going to create merry hell for me soon. Some women just won't understand anything about this.

My current amps, preamp and speakers are DIY, but not by me as i dont have the tools

[bslee]

Lucky you! My problem with getting new toys is where to put them? I wish i had space for an engine hoist, real workbench, small lathe, small milling machine etc.
I wonder if people would be interested in a small workshop set up that could be rented by the hour as found in Europe and the USA?

Having all the tools is the easy part. Its one's level of skill, effort and passion that'll determine the final quality of the work. For example, there's numerous metal foundries doing all sorts but what kind of results they produce can be another story. My quest is always near perfection and precision, nothing less will satisfy my vanity.
Anyway, I'm set on extending a part of the rear of my home, lucky got experienced architech buddy who's willing to give me all the advice and support to make this a reality.
Only problem is I don't have lots of money to spend just like that, so its to be in phases. I'm going do private jobs (where capable) to pay back for the investment.
Going to see about my drill press and other probable tools next week. More or less made appointment to evaluate some machines.
Need to buy some new grinding stone wheels for my trust Bosch bench grinder too.
Shrudder to think I'm going on a spending spree to a certain point. Wish I was in USA, tools seem so much cheaper there than here (don't convert the exchange rate, 1-1 comparison). As usual lah..Malaysian things are actually very expensive! Damn!

[sjcc]

wouldnt it be nice to have a community tool shed or a public workspace where you can rent locker space to store your tools?

[bslee]

I suppose if anyone going to invest in higher end power tools, especially bulky ones, must consider a proper space and area for future projects and use. Like one say, if wanna do properly, go all the way. Half past six and compromise won't turn out good results, moreover may irritate other people around. Home is a home, NOT a full blast workshop or industry. There are limitations to be adhered.

[USJ27Resident]

Having all the tools is the easy part.

Shrudder to think I'm going on a spending spree to a certain point. Wish I was in USA, tools seem so much cheaper there than here (don't convert the exchange rate, 1-1 comparison). As usual lah..Malaysian things are actually very expensive! Damn!

Wakakakaaaa!! I can IMAGINE you in Homebase (US) or in Bunnings (Aust) - you'd be like a kid let loose in Toys R Us.... heck - I just decribed myself !!

[bslee]

Got myself a German branded 1/2 HP 12 speed drill press direct from the distributor. Lovely machine for its price but I had to spend time to fully calibrate and mod a few things like replacing some things I thought is critical, check runouts, component freeplay, weak points, etc because experience tells me some mods and new items I do perform better on the long run. I know for a long time a drill press isn't some plug and play machine (although some think it is). It have to be thoroughly checked over and some fine tuning comes from experience, not always stipulated in the owner's manual. NOW I can drill project items with a lot more accuracy and precision. Finally my full drill bit box set bought 20 years ago now have a proper machine for precision use.
I've also to expand my collection of wood drill bits and other bits for future use. The common drills are good for metals but not good for wood all the time.
Some jobs are already lined up and this tool is going to prove very very useful. I'm already toying on a metal lathe to revive my turning skills. Just a thought. This machine is somewhere in the RM4k region.
Actually, a fair amount of highly reputed tools can be found here and sometimes in obscure places. Just have to do homework to find what you want and at the right price.
My journey and homework finding a drill press ends here. I'm done with this now.

[bslee]

I'm mulling on my next project, extend the back of my home partially. Only a ground floor. If I extend to the top floor, its illegal as it'll contravene the setback distance to the opposite house.
This extended room is going to be my DIY workshop room. I'm going to bite the bullet, lay bricks and build the walls myself. This will save me huge construction cost. Most things DIY, time isn't an issue, no rush rush job, only way to save HUGE cost and for self satisfaction. As for electrical wiring, install air con? aluminum windows, gutter, also DIY, as I'm competent in this department. Its likely only the steel roof truss and plaster ceiling I've to contract it out. Now doing the planning, then wait for a very hot month without rain is best to do construction. My motto, if the contractor is human and man, they can do things, SO CAN I...and I have the ability to do so.

[ivanhow]

Hi bslee , Good to hear u going to work on ur next project! I just did a backyard extension altho a very short extension, but yet lotz of work. My extension included the room above. U going to do both like I just did?
Believe u need to get MPSJ approval if u doing ground + upper floor assuming ur hse is under MPSJ. I'm sure u can do the wiring, and A/cond if u have the knowhow. I got contractor to do mine, but was not really happy on the quality of work, but cud have been worse if not for supervising it first hand. Hope to hear more of ur project..

Hello sjcc , Am curious of such welding machine for toy project use... U must have been a trained person on handling welding work I guess. I personally find it not an easy thing to do industrial grade arc welding, which requires some skill doing it. I have had hands-on using those arc welding equipment, but only becoz I had d opportunity to handle it during my industrial training years ago, so not anywhere near an expert.

Is the inverter welding m/c u bought for light (toy project) use only? Can it be used for welding iron gates (those in front of our car porch) as well? Believe that most welding equipment produces high current at low voltage for arc welding, like those used by grill/gate fabricators? I guess for welding small items, the power rating of the welding equipment wud be low, am I right? What is the power rating of the welding m/c you bought? Any difference in the welding material used for your work compared to those used by those iron gate/grill fabricators?