Anything welding

That would be stick welding or stick rod welding. A very common method for all types of jobs. Most pipelines are built with this, as one example. Not so much on aluminum though. It can be done but not as good of results as TIG or MIG.
Stick can be done in conditions that would preclude the other 2 types mentioned, such as windy areas. It does not require any shielding gas that can be blown away. The shielding is provided by the flux coating on the rod. This would be a good choice if you don't have a dedicated shop area to work in, or may need to weld in many different locations. I have an engine drive welder for this that does not need electrical connections to work, just gasoline. It also doubles as an emergency generator during power outages, and provides power for power tools to work in remote areas.

 

Looking for a quick response for the following question?
What is the FLA on the millermatic 211? I don't know what FLA stands for but my electrician just asked me and I can't find it on the manual unless I overlooked it. Thanks

 

It stands for "Fully Loaded Amps" and what he wants to know is what the maximum current the machine draws.

 

Do any of you use anti splatter spray for your mig nozzles? I saw online that PAM works as good as anything. Does it work?

 

Nope just Mig pliers clean it up after a few beads I don't like the smell of the anti splatter and you tend to get porosity on the first tack after you spray/ dip it.

 

I'm pretty sure it's 25amps

 

I use some antispatter spray, it helps a bit. I typically clean the nozzle good and then spray it, then its about a once a day clean and spray on for me. Between there, knock off spatter with pliers a few times.
As Jerry said, I notice porosity if I use nozzle dip, so I've gone to spray but just enough to help with spatter a bit, not expecting it to prevent spatter entirely.

 

I use nozzle dip. I just tack a scrap piece before I go back to my project. I leave the scrap by the nozzle dip so I don't forget. I also spray my part with anti spatter if I don't feel like chipping.

 

I used Uni-strut bolts.

 

I used the kit that came with a tonneau cover and took the tonneau hooks off leaving an aluminum bar that was threaded and had bolts with it.

 

Yeah it has been.

This is it apart sitting to the left of the track.



You mean like this?

 

Try calling some of the truck places and see if they might sell them. A buddy got me mine so I don't know if they can be bought separate.

 

You could just buy a piece of aluminum bar stock and drill and tap it. That would probably be cheaper than the kit.

 

Use a lift mechanism from under a taco.

 

I think I have a flyer from sema on who makes these I'll check when I get home.

 

Lift on the bottom standard bed tire mount on top.

 

Yup

 

These here work really well and fit just right.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#machine-table-t-slot-nuts/=ma9s2u

 

So, this is something similar to what he wants?

 

As for being able to alternatively mount the tire on top, he could weld a large nut to the top of the tire rack and make sure its welded over a hole, so a bolt can run through it. Then he just has to get a bolt long enough to hold the spare in place, but he will be able to take it out and keep the top of the rack flat for carrying boxes n such. Just a thought...

Edit: could just hold the tire on top via ratchet straps....