Dump Trailer

[patrick_g]

A cutting torch is best used cutting from left to right for a right handed person, but as with the welder, can be operated differently to fit the need.
David from jax

I am not particularly good with an O-A torch but found I did better holding the torch with two hands. What then for preferred direction?

Pat

 

[Defective]

I am not particularly good with an O-A torch but found I did better holding the torch with two hands. What then for preferred direction?

Pat

Then you either push it away or pull it toward yourself. That's how I do it. I still make a mess, but it works.

 

[patrick_g]

Then you either push it away or pull it toward yourself. That's how I do it. I still make a mess, but it works.

My preferred method of cutting steel is my plasma cutter which is designed to have the tip contact the workpiece so holding an optimum distance off is an eliminated chore. Second, I prefer to rig up a "rip fence" or template. It is 1/2 inch from the center of the plasma stream to the side of the torch so if you want a 1 inch diameter hole in metal you make a 2 inch hole in a piece of scrap wood and just drag the torch around in contact with the wood and you get a nice 1 inch hole. The wood gets a bit scorched but will last through at least a dozen holes and way more is possible if you are cutting thin metal since you can move faster. Cutting 3/16 or 1/4 inch I have used 3/4 inch MDF templates and they can last for 10-30 holes. That particular instance was cutting some 3 inch diameter holes.

Note, I say DRAG the torch. It goes much more smoothly if you drag it as opposed to pushing it. Sideways is OK too but pushing it away from you is not nearly as smooth a job.

I have had folks really admire my cutting torch ability and then I burst the bubble and confess I am truly poor with a O-A torch and the work they are looking at was done with a plasma cutter.

Once in a while I use the O-A for convenience afield but when I get around to hooking up my vertical compressor and plumbing it throughout the shop I will be able to take the portable (25 gal) compressor afield with the Plasma and run them off the portable generator.

Pat

 

[jsborn]

My preferred method of cutting steel is my plasma cutter. When I get around to hooking up my vertical compressor and plumbing it throughout the shop I will be able to take the portable (25 gal) compressor afield with the Plasma and run them off the portable generator.

Pat

Now we are getting the real truth You just can't hide money

Some of us still use hack saws and cold chisels to cut our projects out.

You are making me very envious you know!!!

 

[sandman2234]

We use what we have, and we all wish we had more neat tools. The guys with the plasma cutters probably have wish lists also, just like the guys with the hacksaws. I am fortunate to have some neat tools, but none of them are the plasma cutting variety. The wish list just started on a different page...
David from jax

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I went back out tonight after I got the kids in bed to admire my excellent paint job...

I really suck at painting!

I think every piece had a place that I either missed or painted too thin. The only exception was the subframe that I painted with the brush and roller the first day, and it had drips. I'm having second thoughts as to whether the spray gun was really better than the roller. Of course I did go back over the subframe with the sprayer to get the parts I missed with the roller.

I do have this to say though: The places where I got good coverage look really good. It's amazing how much better crappy welds look with a good coat of paint on them.

I'm going to have to get the paint back out again after I get the wood deck ready. I may just touch up then.

 

[patrick_g]

Now we are getting the real truth You just can't hide money

Some of us still use hack saws and cold chisels to cut our projects out.

You are making me very envious you know!!!

Believe me the plasma was a trade off for more than one other tool on the wish list. I just got it fairly recently but I LOVE IT. If I was worth a darn with an O-A it wouldn't have been so important to me but I was really terrible most of the time. On those rare occasions where I managed to cut something with the O-A that didn't look like a spastic drunk did it, I wanted to have a celebration!

I have plenty of time with a hacksaw too. Makes the places where I get blisters on my hands from too much vigorous sawing sort of tingle in anticipation (gloves? we don't need no stinking gloves! ) If you think you have seen clumsy, you haven't seen clumsy till you see me in gloves except the thin flexible soft TIG gloves which I like.

Pat

 

[sandman2234]

Don't knock your painting skills too badly, as most of my projects get ignored when it comes to the painting department. I really, really, really, really don't like anything about painting and usually don't do it. Which is another reason why pictures of most of my projects never show up here. If I don't take a picture of it, won't nobody know it wasn't every painted. Most jobs I do, I mention the fact that it will not be painted...
David from jax

 

[jsborn]

Pat
I hope you know I was just kidding you although I am envious. By the way what model cutter do you have and would you recommend it (just in case I win the Lotto).
Iplay
As far as painting my projects I thought rust was a paint? I either too lazy too rushed or any of a thousand other reasons to paint much. Not to mention I get more on me and the ground than I do the project. I failed finger painting in school.

 

[dangier_VA]

Iplayfarmer
I have watched your work with admiration as I like to tinker also making my own equipment. I will be retiring in January and have focused the last two years on making a 30 x 60 shop to work in. Put in a four post lift last weekend to work off from.
Having lawn tractors and repairing them, I have rebuilt transaxles like you are using. I would guess they have a weight limit of 500 lbs or so. From your pictures your axles are straight bolted to the frame. I would suspect not having a suspension means you might have issues with the axles standing up. Your heavy framing could be adapted to must anything in the future if needed. I did find out that most transaxles just have little or no grease inside and would benefit from adding some. If you split the case, some transaxles have a cutout for a bearing that can be installed to make it last longer. Every one I have taken apart just has an aluminum bushing as part of the case supporting the axles.
Great job!
David
ps. my welding is still learning too!