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[MAC702]

One idea that comes from the example in the article you linked is to use square tubing for the outside parallels. This will be a much easier joint to fabricate and weld than a round tube welded perpendicularly to another round tube.

[MAC702]

Fair point if you shop around. Except for something for straight CO2 usage, I've never had to buy one because enough of my machines have already come with a Smith flowgauge.

One advantage with the floating ball is that you can't make the mistake of trying to set it without the gas flowing....

[MAC702]

I'm in the cheap flowgauge camp myself. In fact, a relatively cheap Smith flowgauge is what would come with the machine from Miller. There's just no need for the "accuracy" of the floating ball. You don't need to know your flowrate to the exact CFH, you just need sufficient flow to avoid...

[MAC702]

Any numbers on it at all?

[MAC702]

I'd be bringing a generator before buying a welder I couldn't test. I also know how to tap a panel. I guess I just don't understand how it can't be tested with power.

But if not working, the easiest way, by far, to test what's wrong is to plug it in and trace the live power inside the machine....

[MAC702]

You want to test one that doesn't work to find where the problem is? Or test one that supposedly works, but actually welding with it isn't an option?

[MAC702]

I was one of the sticks-in-the-mud who reported the spam but wasn't clever enough to comment on it. Sorry.

[MAC702]

NONE OF US HAVE EVER MADE THAT MISTAKE.

hahahahahaha

[MAC702]

Holding your breath is cheaper.

[MAC702]

I would play with the tension knob on the drive rolls first. Read the section in the manual about setting it, then play up and down from there. I had a MM175 for many years. That was a good machine.

[MAC702]

I missed the tubing in a vise test. Thanks.

Is the angle like a bedframe rail? It gives me sputters, but still welds. More brittle afterward, so you only use it where that doesn't matter. Some of it might be worse than others.

[MAC702]

Go weld on something else to eliminate some possibilities.

[MAC702]

What about where your work clamp is?...

[MAC702]

Depends on how much cross-ventilation you get with the doors/windows cracked/open. It also depends greatly on what welding process you are using. Flux-cored wire or stick welding will make a lot more smoke than MIG and TIG.

You're just gonna have to learn the hard way how much ventilation...

[MAC702]

Can you drill it? I'd be all over drilling, doweling (with plenty of slop), and JB.

[MAC702]

Don't get me wrong, as I'm opposed to the disposable society, but what's the cost comparison between the materials and labor on the repair versus a replacement part? Or is lack of replacement parts a greater issue?...