My first few welding projects (table and artsy stuff).

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I got my equipment all set up this past week. I wound up getting the Millermatic 180 and Spectrum 375. And an assortment of grinders, clamps, safety gear, etc.... Next up will probably be a bandsaw, drill press, vises, and a bender/brake. The carts that came with the two machines are awful. I'll probably make something after I make a bigger table. After a little practice this past week, the first thing I made today was a table (to weld on). 2" square tube legs with a 1/4" top and some angle iron bracing and a strap to hold my clamps and ground to. It's a small table, 24" square made from scraps.The table took a while because I haven't really made anything out of steel in at least 15 years. When I was done, my wife brought me a moon pie and a cup of coffee, and asked if I'd make her a stand for this wooden figure she's had balanced precariously for years now. I made this out of some 1/2" plate and 3/8" rod. I drilled the wooden figure for the rod, and made little steps on the rod out of welding wire. My dad actually got me the plasma cutter for a holiday present, so I figured I'd make him a little something. It's a kelly clamp and a #3 blade handle welded to some 1/4" steel (medical instruments, in real life he and I are both doctors). I'm not sure this is "welded" the instruments may just be sitting in a blob of melted welding wire. So far I'm very happy with my equipment. The wire feed welder is fairly easy to get the hang of, and I'm sure that with more practice I'll be able to make strong durable welds with it. The plasma cutter seems a little trickier to use, that is definitely going to need a lot of practice.Last edited by EricEdelman; 12-31-2006 at 12:49 AM.
Reply:Moon pie and a cup 'o coffee, doesn't get any better than that  .  I'd say your work looks plenty good to me. I'm going to guess your hooked now  .
Reply:Nothing like getting a quick start, no bead running for you, jump right into it, that's the spirit. Fun, eh?Now you need to buy the harbor freight bandsaw, can't live without it!- John
Reply:Originally Posted by EricEdelmanThe carts that came with the two machines are awful.
Reply:i like the new shop feel you got going there nice job Eric :-) post pictures of your complete shop setup im doing mine up a bit every day it should be all done in a few weeks i have to run 2 inch emt pipe for my big welderthanks  Jason
Reply:I like the kelly clamp and #3 blade..... nice doctor of the year award_________________Chris
Reply:looks good..my bench is about the same size..but with a 1" thick top..have fun!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Looks really nice   I like the last pic, it looks cool
Reply:Ditto on what some of the other guys have said.  Good looking first projects!