Anything welding

The projects I have done at a Loss over the years I just chuck up as a Labor of Love.

In the long run if you do figure a normal labor rate and consumables for your time till it is all said and done It might be more expensive the buying the complete bumper..

So many say I don`t charge for my time in figuring that out . I say well if you work for free I have all the work you can handle I never get anyone to take me up on that.

 

You might want to put some damp cotton rags over the condenser if your AC is charged .

Nothing like a spark in the wrong place.

Did that get expensive to learn.

 

I have a fiberglass welding blanket that I threw on the truck when actually welding. Just removed it to get a clean picture.

 

Finishing up

 

And finished.

 

I plan on making a swingout for a 33" tire.

Looks like you used 2" square tubing; is that 1/8" thick?

 

It's 3" tube. You're correct on thickness.

 

Some fun things made after installing a wood stove in the garage..




Kindling splitter




Finally scooped these speed squares after wanting for awhile,
will def grab some larger ones in the future from Eric.
Genuine Metal Works made Virginia USA

 

And it’s done. Was a fun project.

 

Waiting on my tax return so I can pick up my first welder. Been looking at grabbing a Miller 220 so I can learn MIG and TIG. Buy once, cry once.

 

Had to add to my manifold for the mufflers to work .

 

So I got in an accident and fuckadoodled my front bumper and don't have the time or patience to order a new one.
Starting to look into a welding set up and a coastal offroad DIY bumper kit.

Is this too much of a task to take on for someone with no welding experience at all?
Looking for something that's 120 and 220, can do gas, doesn't need to tig.
Had a buddy just pick up one of these guys - looking at picking up one myself. Thoughts? Have no brand loyalties at all - hoping to keep welder + gas + misc welding supplies to under $1800ish
https://www.hobartwelders.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/handler-210mvp-mig-welder-m00229

 

I love my Hobart 210. That MSRP is high, which is expected being as its on Hobart's site. I think I paid around $750. Or maybe high prices are the new norm

 

Tractor Supply has them for $949

 

Hobart makes a decent machine

 

nothing negative to say about the hobart but you can also look at craigs list or facebook marketplace for a welder that someone who did exactly what you are doing; they bought one looking to get into it, did a couple projects, now it just sits collecting dust. can probably find a decent set up for 800-1200 with all the tools and supplies ready to weld.

also look at northwest trail innovations for a weld together kit. another option for you.

 

Going on a 2016 Tundra - NWTI doesn't make a kit for them

 

ope my bad didnt see what it was on

 

Can you caulk a bath tub? If yes, you can learn to MIG weld enough to build a bumper.

Dive in! All the rest of us did.

 

I have a Hobart 190, which is basically a 210 w/o the capability of 110V. I've been very pleased with it as a basic welder. I've had pretty substantial use with two different Hobarts and liked them both. They are simple and don't offer the adjustability of the new Millers with the Infinity voltage dial but it's not really an issue as a novice welder.

IMO, the Coastal OR DIY kit would be ambitious for someone with no welding experience and kind of pricey if it doesn't go all that well. The kit isn't difficult but you'll want to ensure you have adequate penetration being the application. That said, it would offer LOTS of opportunity for practice and most errors are fixable if you're good with a grinder.