ok, i've finally put together enough money for a syncrowave 200 + tank/mask/basic materials

what i'm not completely sure of is what tools to buy. i have a small angle grinder, but thats about all that will help me with the process.

could you list a few basic tools that might make my day easier? i dont want to go at it with a sch 10 el with a DREMEL either.. lol

i'd like to know:

what makes quick work (and is affordable) of sch10 pipe/el's
what tool is best for smoothing (sanding/grinding)
what would you suggest for a beginner builder?

thanks

 

um.. btw, i'll mostly be working with thin gauge aluminum (sheet/tubing) and sch10/40 piping and el's and 16G tubing.. stainless of course.

 

Chop saw
Well band saw really but a lot more $$ and takes up more space

Drill press

Drill and wire wheels

Belt/disc sander

tools add up man...don't go crazy all at once, purchase wisely.....sometimes the more expensive tools are worth it to purchase now instead of having to buy the less expensive one, then when it breaks going with the better one!

 

get a good 4.5" angle grinder. they can be very versatile because you can put zip discs on them for cutting, flap wheels for grinding and plain abrasive grinding wheels.

i bought a chop saw when i started doing stuff out of my garage, but now it just sits on the shelf. i got my bandsaw at auction for a reasonable price.

 

6x48 belt sander from harbor freight. make sure to get good belts. don't use aluminum oxide, it will cut fast, but the belt life is considerably shorter. i use a 3m 963g belt.

4.5" angle grinder is a must. get a half was decent one.

get a 4~5 straight die grinders for various carbide bits, flap wheels and other stuff. get good carbide burs and tooling. the grinders themselves can be cheap. harbor freight again, is a good place to shop.

14" chop saw is great too. lot faster then a band saw, however you'll spend more time deburing.

 

I like using powerful 4" grinders with 4.5" wheels. They are able to get into tighter spots but have the larger wheel for faster cutting/grinding.

I got a #9 flex head per Mike's recommendation, and it has been f'ing awesome. That and a gas lense.

Ian

 

4.5" cut off wheels are 60 cents from harbor freight. you'll pay at least twice that anywhere else and they seem to hold up pretty good.

 

If you haven't already, consider a dedicated method/tool to sharpen your tungsten.

Some more tools; square, tape measure, level, clamps, clamps and...clamps. Don't forget ear/eye/face protection too.

 

I love my syncrowave 200 especially the PPS function makes everything look so much nicer and makes the welding much less labor intensive IMO