Quote:
Originally Posted by SONOSADSACK
WOW! 
From a wanna be fabricator, how about some advice on shop equipment? What bender are you using? What are you using for making dimples? Etc. I need to start building a better shop and any advice would be much appreciated. I have zero for fabrication tools and my next project is going to be very similar to what you have created. Knowing what equipment is required up front would be great. |
Sure, here you go. If you need more info just holler:
For the standard stuff I use a Miller 210 MIG welder and I try to use a DX200 water cooled TIG. I have a ESAB plasma cutter and a Delta Drill press, along with a 13x40 lathe and 20 ton press. A few angle grinders and drills, etc.
For a bender I use the JD2 Model 3 bender with 270* dies from 3/4"-2" in size:
https://www.jd2.com/p-32-model-3-bender.aspx
I added a air/hydraulic ram to bend the big tube, but you can bend up to 1" easily by hand. I built my own, but you can get this unit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SWAG-Tubing-...item3f2afa9fb8.
I use these style of dimple dies. They allow you to use them anywhere in addition to a press:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SWAG-Off-Roa...item3f2dd228d1 I also have a 3" unit which is kinda spendy.
SWAG (dimple die guy above) also has a bandsaw stand and plate that I copied and I use it daily. It uses a Milwaukie Port-a-band and makes it a table top bandsaw.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SWAG-V4-0-Po...item3f2bac5c3b
These jewels are indispensable in my opinion:
Greenlee DTAPKITM M3-M10 6-Piece Combination...And add the 5/16" and 3/8" drill taps. I use these to make new and clean out old threads. Buy extras of the ones you use most, and pre-drill with the right size bit before using.
That's about it, really. If you want to know something specific, let me know.