Why buy it for $1 when I can make it myself for $100.

[Burnt hands]

Like many of the members here, I have made items as as way of improving my
welding skills.

Recently, some friends came over to the garage for beers and a tig repair job on a snowblower.

Afterwards, I showed them a few of my projects and the comments were:

"Too much time on your hands"
"Need to get a life"
"Too much money in your wallet"
"Should get out more - call us, we'll help"

(Beer loosens the tongue better than truth serum.)

Ouch ! - and this winter didn't help as I have been snow-bound a bit.
Took a look around the garage and decided to have a bit of fun.
April is coming and in keeping with the tradition of April 1, here are some of my projects.

1 - nut cracker
All stainless and based on a reloading press mechanism along with a cheap solution and a free solution

2 - litter box scoop - stainless steel versus plastic

More to follow as I can only include 5 photos per post.

[Burnt hands]

Why buy it for $1 when I can make it myself for $100. Part 2

More...................

3 - work holder/positioner - stainless steel uses clamp cams from Reid Supply
cheap solution - vice

4 - ss bird feeder - trying to keep the freeloading squirrels out
cheap solution - 2 liter soda bottle.

[Burnt hands]

Why buy it for $1 when I can make it myself for $100 - Part 3

More...................................

5 - plywood cart - stainless except for wheels
I use a 4 x 8 x 3/4" piece of plywood as a fixture for some large pieces and need to move it around the yard,

cheap solution - dolly

[Burnt hands]

Why buy it for $1 when I can make it myself for $100 - part 4

More..........................

6 - weld seat - this actually proved to be a useful project.
Replaced my 4 legged stool which always wobbled and was never the right height as I was tigging.
Used 3 of the 4 feet and the gas spring mechanism from an old office chair.
It provides 5" of adjustment.

7 - weld turntable - see this previous post for more info.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...ht=Burnt+hands

cheap solution - record player

[Burnt hands]

Why buy it for $1 when I can make it myself for $100 - Last part

Getting tired of all this nonsense?


8 - kayak roller guide
Helps me load my 65 lb kayak on the car roof.
Frame is stainless and rollers were from marine supply house.
Suction cup lifter from a glass and mirror supplier.
cheap solution - piece of rug

ok - I'm done.

Have a fun April

[Burnt hands]

Forgot the bird feederphotos in part 2

Here are the bird feeder photos I forgot to include in part 2

[aametalmaster]

Yup i feel the same way. I just milled some slots using my lathe and got bashed for not using a mill on another forum. Just trying to show the folks there is more than one way for most things. And some people might only have a lathe...Bob

[WillieB]

Oh well critics can't be pleased, that's how they got the name critics. Nice workmanship and ingenuity.

[BukitCase]

Lotta truth to the old saying -

Those who can - DO.
Those who can't - Teach.
Those who can't teach - Critique.

Next time tell yer buddies to bring their OWN beer :=) Steve

[elvis]

I'll take you up on that Steve! I am just finishing up my new brewery build. 1/2bbl semi-automated electric system.

I needed some steel cut a couple years ago so j bought a plasma. That fits with this thread. If.I can find an excuse to buy a tool I usually will!

Those are some good builds. Nice work and nice thinking!

[Burnt hands]

Hi posters,

It has been mentioned that it would be very helpful if the originator of a post provided a bit of information regarding a solution to it. Don't know if this qualifies but I want to fill in some details about my friends who gave me inspiration for the initial post. I have known them since high school (over 40 years) and luckily they have all stayed in the neighborhood.
One is an accountant who does my tax returns, another is a landscaper who plows my parent's driveway in the winter and another is a master plumber who fixes my mistakes.

In exchange for their help, I melt metal and repair what I can for them.

No money is exchanged - only beer and favors.

It's good to have friend's like them even if we all pick on each other.

[BukitCase]

Spent the last 35 years in industrial environment, makes perfect sense to me - that's the only kind of friends I have, wouldn't have it any other way.

Sounds like you already know that... Steve

[mikecwik]

Too much time on your hands. That's funny.

Those are usually the guys coming up and asking for you to do stuff for them. It would be interesting to see what they do with their time. I bet it is something of quality along the lines of nothing.

I got a guy asks me to do stuff for him on a weekly basis and he actually had the nerve to tell me this stuff was easy if you have the tools.

Then you have the mouths that want to stand there and offer their advice on how something you are doing should be done. I have taken to saying "okay you do it then" and walk away.

[Geoffm]

I am going to liberate that kayak roller idea - that is brilliant and simple!
Geoff

[Burnt hands]

I am going to liberate that kayak roller idea - that is brilliant and simple!
Geoff

Geoffm,

Thank you, I am flattered and honored by your interest.

Here are a few additional photos which may help in your design.

I split the stainless steel tubing holding the vacuum cup handle so it could swivel to adapt to a curved roof if needed. Once it fit my roof, I tightened up the hose clamp.

Have fun