Garage workshop in progress

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So, I took a welding class at a local community college and liked it so much I figured I would try to set up something for myself to do work at home.  Here's where I might take some heat, but I've pretty much got the workshop that Harbor Freight built.Using a variety of coupons I've gotten to knock down the price on many things, so far I've picked up (and given these are from Harbor Freight assume everything listed is "Chicago Electric":110 Amp MIG welder - After reading some things on the web I skipped using the flux core wire that came with this and bought some Lincoln Electric wire to use.  After using that for a little while I decided the spatter off the flux core was pretty bad, so I picked up a 20cf cylinder to run the welder with an Argon/CO2 mix.  Huge improvement.Portable Oxy/Acetylene set - I've played around with it a bit, but have not had the chance to use it much yet.  I have some future bending needs, and I want to practice cutting a bit more.14" Cut-Off Saw - It's definitely not as nice as the Dewalt they have in class, but it works and was 1/3 the cost of the Dewalt.4 1/2" angle grinder - I've used this one a lot.  It's doing pretty well for me.I've also picked up a few clamps and magnets to use as well.So, using everything but the Oxy/Acetylene set my first project was a welding table.  My plans on this one ended up being a little dynamic.  I bought a 2' x 4' piece of 1/4" steel out of the drop pile at a local steel supplier along with some square tubing, and angle pieces. At first I thought about making a 2' x 4' table but then realized it would be pretty heavy and a bit big for the space I have. So, I cut the 1/4" steel in half with my angle grinder (which was quite the task). A lot of cuts on the angle pieces and square tubing later and I had myself a welding table. It's working pretty well for me so far (though the top is covered with spatter from the flux core MIG wire I was using).My long term plan is to take the other half and build another table.  I figure this will give me a more dynamic setup where I can put them together for larger pieces, or separate them a little so I can use the gap for cutting.So, after that long ramble I do have one question. I just got the MIG set up with the gas today. I reversed the wires like I was supposed to, swapped out the wire, and fired things up to just play a bit. I set the regulator to around 25.  I actually got some pretty clean welds going, but there is still an occasional popping while I'm welding. I'm not sure if it's just inconsistent wire feed (I've heard that is a problem with Harbor Freight welders) or if it's gas quantity.  I tried adjusting the gas to 30 since I've read that is the top end for that, but it didn't seem to change things.I imagine after I have a chance to play some more with the Oxy/Acetylene torch I'll have some questions on that one.I have to say I'm having a blast with welding.
Reply:You're wasting gas unless you are fighting a breeze.  Try 12-15.My name's not Jim....
Reply:dont forget the horizontal bandsaw (and dont forget to add lube to it before your first cut)what kind of stuff do you plan to make?
Reply:Thanks for the advice on gas pressure.  I got the cylinder before my next welding class so I had not had a chance to ask what was good.  Given the small cylinder size, saving gas is definitely a plus.As for what stuff I'm making, it is a bit of a random bunch of things.  In class I've worked on a few signs, an iterative metal "sculpture" of cubes using round rods, a coat rack, and a mini-chopper frame.  At home I've built the welding table, have done some practice welding to get the feel of the equipment, and cut a few pieces out of 16 gauge sheet metal with a cutting wheel on the angle grinder.  The pieces are for making a sculpture of a trapezoidal robot.Between the angle grinder and the cut-off saw I've been able to handle most of my needs at home.  I know I've seen a lot of mention about people using a bandsaw for cutting.  What are general good uses for it that the cut-off saw or angle grinder can't cover?
Reply:The bandsaw is going to be quieter, more accurate, less of a mess and provide a cleaner cut.  Some horizontal bandsaw can be used vertically like a wood bandsaw.
Reply:Start making yourself tools your require, here is a picture of a 1" sander I made last fall, the motor is from a old washing machine, 2x4 tubing, in about a couple hours,still needs an adjustable top deck,I've got a bender so it makes things go fast. I have a 36" x 4" sander and in the centre the sandpaper wears but the sides are ok so I made this to reuse the numerous side pieces.I "think" I am going to buy a 200amp "Longevity" welder this week, I have just been impressed with what I have been reading but gonna check with the local LWS first. Attached Images
Reply:Yeah, there are a few things I'll certainly make for myself, though I was thinking of simple things like an adjustable roller stand for cutting off longer pieces, and the odd stand or two for things.  Don't know that I ever thought of building a belt sander, but I can say that something I imagine I could use at some point is a sander or grinding wheel of some sort to smooth things out after cutting.I've got the angle grinder, but it seems a little harder to control when smoothing out pieces from 14 gauge sheet metal.
Reply:Ya go into harbour freight and get yourself three or four - 4.5" grinders,one for every purpose you use your grinder, when you have to change discs frequently you will realize why so many, they're cheap, and after you drag them across the floor a few times or drop it off the table it isn't going to matter what brand it is, for finsishing a variable speed grinder with 6 inch flex disc, I have a Skil 1 hp with 10 inch hard disc on it that is a real jewel.Had it stolen and went up to the guy that I had suspected of stealing it and told him I wanted it back; just made me sick when I saw it missing, I it got back. Also, a couple wire brushes and a stainless steel or two.That sander is good for cleaning up tubing, and rod.HF sells one of those for about $40.00 on sale but it is 1/8 hp not 1/4.I want to make a dry cutter with 1hp water feed.Need any pdfs of any plans let me know, will post you pics of my hacksaw project.