New year new projects

A few months back I picked up a new TIG machine, one that does AC output as well, so Aluminum projects are now on the table. While I have been focusing on more welding related projects I still am working on LED related projects. I recently added a small hydraulic press and a plasma cutter to the tool collection. Mixing all of these different disciplines of making and manufacturing makes for some challenges as well as lots of learning. We’ll see what the new year brings to the projects game.

Pictured below are some of the projects in progress from 2019. Plasma cutting, while super fun to do, requires all sorts of skill to execute as you imagined. Cutting perfect circles by hand is not easy, as the ammo can demonstrates. The plan for that one is to make a bright and vintage looking lamp that has all the space you could want for batteries and electronics.

Aluminum welding is way harder than I would have imagined. DC welding is so clean in comparison, with AC the arc is not as stable or happy. Making smooth puddles and stacks requires adding far more filler than with DC applications. Some of the dimple die practice can be seen on the aluminum welding as well.

Welding nice coped pipe joints in another one of those things that looks really nice when it’s done nice, naturally, that’s not how it goes for me. Making a nice fit is half of the battle, the other half is cleaning everything well (like all the cutting lube used) and then not burning through the thinner parts as you’re focused on making a clean bead. The third half is making sure your torch is at the correct angle throughout the weld.