Now the top.
First I free-hand
cut the existing top off. First photo shows the filler
plate and a chunk of 1.5 inch pipe and pipe cap. The nipple and cap will
form the filler hole, and the hook will be the handle. Voila, photo G.
Next I needed a 1.5" hole and a couple smaller ones for a schrader valve
and a pressure guage. Photo H shows how I
cut the big one, using my old
friend, the plasma cutter. First I drill a small pilot hole, then I hold my
aluminum template where I want the hole. 15 seconds later, you see the
hole in photo I. If I do not drill a pilot hole, the plasma cutter splashes
back for a fractional second until it penetrates the steel. That's not a big
problem if I am wearing a mask, but it can lead to damaging my template.
The big hole is for the fitting that will support the dipper tube and the hose
fitting for the nozzle.
Photo J...all done with the top.