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.

Shop tour

It all begins at the shear. I've used many different means of cutting but a shear is by far the quickest, and most precise cut available to me right now. I will be using this until I have a million dollars to buy a laser table. My legs will be getting a workout.

New machinery always looks so crisp.

The back gauge is nice,but with the thin metal its not usable. So I have to hand measure every piece.

I love this new shear. The cuts are very precise.

On to the brake. This is a pretty versitile machine.

Double checking with the trusty tri square.

AND bend.

Notching is next. I have a jig made up so now there's less guess work, more consistancy.

Tig welding is the best way to make these pans. Soldering seems to give more problems down the road.

A good sharp tungsten

A needle point is a must to have good TIG welds

My favorite part of the whole process is welding it all together.

Wegner Metal Works, LLC

Today my wife and I signed the papers, WEGNER METAL WORKS, LLC is now officially up and running. As I posted earlier this week, a good friend of mine Mark Hawkins (Mark Hawkins Photography) came over and took some shots of me doing some work in the shop. They turned out great. Thanks Mark!!!

2x4 pan pics

2'x4'x10" flat pan with 1/2" drain. I will upgrade to 3/4" after I run out of stock on the fittings I have

Today's progress

I sold a 2x4 pan with 10" walls a few days ago and finished it today. I sheared up 7 pans worth of metal yesterday, so today I set up a jig for notching the corners(big time saver), formed up the big pan and cut/formed the caps. This pan turned out great. I hope Scott enjoys it. I bought a polisher today, and used this pan as a trial run for it. I polished all the visible seams and turned out pretty good. Im sure it will get better with practice. I'll probably end up buying a stationary buffer on a stand to do my seams,but this will work for now. So I boxed up the pan and shipped another that I received payment yesterday. Tomorrow's plan: forming all the metal I sheared yesterday.