Welder / Plasma Cart Project

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So I bought an HTP Invertig 201 last month, and needed a cart to put it on. I also wanted a cart for my plasma cutter, so I thought I'd combine them in to a single cart.I threw down a real quick sketch in AutoCAD (didn't even dimension it), just some rough guidelines that I could use to scribble some measurements down on when I built it. I knew that I wanted to use a standard 19" rack mount drawer to hold the tig accessories and consumables - and that gave me my width. My depth was based on the overall depth of the Invertig.Steel is 2"x2" 1/8" square tubing, some 3/16" plate drops (cheap!), and some stainless steel square that someone gave to me.I have never TIG welded before I bought this welder (got it beginning of October). I have never even watched anyone in person tig weld. My welds got better the further I went. I did practice for several hours before starting this project, but this was the first real 'thing' I built. Probably 95% of the welds on this cart are TIG'd. There are a few - the axles and the bottle tray - that had too much gap or would require too much filler - these were MIG'd. This cart took a couple of weeks in the evenings to build. I bought a 50' 6 ga extension cord so I could roll this cart, well, it'll reach outside my shop now (my 220V outlet is on the back corner of my shop). I love having that ability now. I was tethered to that back corner, now I can reach anywhere. Attached ImagesLast edited by cabletech; 11-21-2009 at 05:02 PM.The soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.
Reply:More pictures... Attached ImagesThe soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.
Reply:And more pictures... Attached ImagesThe soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.
Reply:And it's done...The HTP welder works very well, I'm enjoying it. It's very forgiving for a newbie like me. I have done a few practice aluminum welds, and they turned out very nice as well. I have some 'real' aluminum work coming up, I'll post pics of that when the time comes. I bought the water cooled package for it. The whole HTP setup is very, very nice. I'm very happy with it. Attached ImagesLast edited by cabletech; 11-21-2009 at 05:03 PM.The soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.
Reply:Very nice build. What finish did you use of the cart?
Reply:Thanks. I used an oil based paint, I think Valspar, whatever Tractor Supply has in stock. Basically, Farm/Trailer paint. It's brushed on, as it's too thick to spray. I was going to use the hardener, but my daughter really really wanted to "help me paint", and I didn't want to expose her to isocyanates (I have a fresh air respirator that I use when iso painting), so the paint turned out a little soft, but it'll cure over time. Had a good time with the kiddo painting it though. The soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.
Reply:great work maybe some pneunmatictires on the back it will move easyer
Reply:I'm jealous.......I wish my work looked that nice. I'm still learning and still inspired........great photos!
Reply:Thanks guys.Yeah, the rear wheels are probably the "worst" part of it. Admittedly, I did get cheapies from Harbor Freight for the rear wheels. They're "rated" at 1000 lb each, but we all know that story...I'm not a fan of pneumatic tires, as they tend to lose air on me. These do seem to roll around OK though. I made the axle from a couple of pieces of 1" round turned down to 5/8" on the lathe (on the ends) and then polished smooth, and put a little anti-seize on there for lubricant.I think the cart itself weighs around 100 lb, add on the welder, plasma, bottle, and leads, and it's probably 350-400 lbs total. Heavy enough to 'stay put' when I need it to, but still light enough to roll around the shop.The soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.