Tig'd Hydrometer cup with new welding turntable

I had a mound of things waiting for me on the doorstep when I got home from work today. Pretty much everything I was waiting for came in. Turntable, chuck, and fittings. Tonight I shipped out the finish pan I worked on over the weekend, and the 2x3 pan that sold also.

This is a picture of a cup that I bought for a pattern to make mine off of. Mine on the left is Tig welded, and the one on the right is Mig welded.

After I got home from shipping, I put the turntable together and started getting my settings adjusted. I started by mig welding them to the bases, and was NOT happy with the finished product at all. I decided that I MUST Tig weld these. I'm glad I did.

Finish pan

This afternoon I worked on a finish pan that I sold on eBay to Jason in Ohio. I changed the design on my handle a little from what I was using before. I think I like this better. It will ship tomorrow. On the recommendation from a member of the MapleTrader.com forum. I stayed with the .040 tungsten, and filler rod, instead of switching to the 3/32". It welded much better. I have a gas lense coming hopefully tomorrow that will give me better shielding.

Of course it can't be all work in the shop. My boys woke up early from their nap while mom was gone shopping. So we played darts for a while. This reminds me of why I do what I do. These guys are just a blast, and wouldn't trade them for the world.

Thanksgiving weekend in the shop

Yesterday and today I spent some quality time in the shop. Yesterday my friend Jim came over and made a custom base for a vintage power hacksaw that he picked up on Craigslist, its a pretty interesting piece of equipment.

I got the dividers welded in and the ends welded on today, and got some more cups cut. Welding these dividers on the 22ga. sure are a challenge, and time consuming. I still have to weld the draw off fittings in, and the thermometer fitting.

I'm waiting on the thermometer fitting, along with a stock order of half couplings. I also ordered all the .25" stainless rod I need for the Hydrometer cups.

My positioner should be here monday, and soon after the stainless rod. So its going to be going full swing by the end of the week. Its pretty exciting to have more requests coming in for custom pans, and other stainless products.

Hydrometer cup orders

While I was working on the divided pan toinght. I had the saw cutting my hydrometer cup orders.35 more to cut, and then I just need to get my Positioner in so I can weld them up.

John (NY) divided pan

Lots of things happening here lately.I have my welding positioner, and lathe chuck ordered,and should be here any day. I've been receiving a few orders for divided pans and have started on the first one.

This 24" x 34"  pan is for John in New York. It has 8-1/2" walls and 7" dividers. There are going to be 3 dividers, standard draw off fittings, and a 1/4" thermometer threaded fitting.

Welding turntable

Welding turntable I'm going to use for welding the Hydrometer cup bases on. 3 jaw spin lock chuck.

Project Small Pan

I received a custom order from Jon in Maine for a small pan set. These will go over a LP burner set. The dimensions are 9.5" x 29" and 7" tall. The pre boiler is 9.5" x 10" x 7" and both have a 1/2" drain.

The pan will hold 8.34 gal., and preboiler will hold 2.87 gal.

 

 

Preboiler in the flat.

Pan in the flat

Notched corners, and marking wall bends

Preboiler bent, just needs caps

Pan bent, needs caps

Pre boiler stacked, just to see how they fit

Caps on and welds cleaned up, both need drain and to be leak tested

Finished product!!

Back in the shop

These pictures were taken before they were polished, which is the last thing done before shipping.

Today I finally got back out to the shop. I'm still shaking off this nasty cold, but feel good enough to be productive. I welded up 3 pans and feel good about todays progress. Tomorrow I will be starting a custom boiling tank for a person in Indiana.

minor setbacks

The kids have been sick over the last couple weeks, and it was inevitable that I would be next. Needless to say I've only been in the shop one day this week. I hope this breaks soon, I'm starting to feel behind on my work. I'm caught up on all the orders so at least thats a relief. I'll post more when I'm back up and running in the shop.

Hydrometer Cups

Last night Dylan came out to help in the shop.

Tonight I picked up the Stainless Pipe for making my Hydrometer cups. This handle design is my first edition, and may change in time. It feels really comfortable when holding it though. It is 2" 304 Stainless pipe,with 1/4" stainless rod for handles.