Custom Stuff... Gear up or Continue Farming Out?

[Iplayfarmer]

My post should have been in the build it yourself forum! Sorry!

Admit it... You posted in the welding section because you want to gear up and weld.

Gear up and do it yourself!! I'm not going to tell you that the welder, torch, and notions will pay for themselves, but I will tell you that it's worth it to be able to do in yourself.

 

[weldermike]

As far as accurate cutting goes, I bought a little bandsaw made by jet, and that thing is dynamite, and resonably cheap as well. What I also like about it is it locks in the upright position for cutting patterns as well.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

As far as accurate cutting goes, I bought a little bandsaw made by jet, and that thing is dynamite, and resonably cheap as well. What I also like about it is it locks in the upright position for cutting patterns as well.

X2 on the bandsaw. Mine doesn't lock in the upright position, but I still love it. Best, easiest, and highest quality cuts I've ever made.

 

[mjncad]

Yep, bandsaws are wonderful to have, which is why I have a vertical and a swivel head horizontal.

They can be finicky to setup; but are worth the effort.

 

[deereman75]

my old porter-cable porta-band is really useful, cuts faster and cleaner then the angle grinder, and more precise too. I am thinking of making a stand for it so that it can be used like a horizontal bandsaw, sort of like the stands to turn an angle grinder into a chop saw.

 

[flusher]

So if I do the work myself.... what is a basic list of equipment you think I need for a home shop? My biggest concern is cutting steel accurately and having a quality welder. At work we have $30,000 Marvel bandsaws that cut any thickness steel like butter... at my house not so much. LOL! :laughing:

Thanks for the help guys!

Start with a good stick welder--mine is a Hobart LX AC/DC welder, 220V--about $400 from Tractor Supply. And get yourself a good autodarkening welding helmet (mine is a $65 unit from Northern Tool--never been flashed with that helmet) and a pair of UV400 wrap around sunglasses to wear under your helmet (helps keep reflected UV from getting to your eyes).

Cutting steel accurately--how accurately? For welding, I can do any straight line cutting I need to do with a 4-1/2" angle grinder with metal cutting blade and a guide. I also have one of those $150 Harbor Freight horizontal band saws--OK but not spectacular cuts and the alignment tends to be touchy.

Cutting curves--I use a Bosch sabre saw and take my time.

Holes--Milwaukee hole saws chucked in my Rigid drill press.

 

[LD1]

It all depends on how luxurious you want to get.

For just building/repairing farm equipment you can get by with some basics.

Good 220v MIG welder. This will be the most $$$
cutting Torches

Yep, thats about it. A side from the basic hand and power tools like a grinder, drill, etc.

If you are decient at all with a set of torches, a torch cut is fine for re-welding with a MIG. Just knock the slag off.

I have seldom came across anything (for home fab) I needed to be cut more accuratly than I can with a torch. And if it is an end that isnt going to be welded, Dressing it up with the grinder is quick.

So again, it all depends on what your budget is, and how luxurious you want to get.
Because IF money were no oject, I would add:
Bandsaw
Plasma
Shear
Ironworker
Mill
Lathe
Brake
Press
Drill Press
Crane
etc