Afternoon all.

I, as usual, come seeking advice. I am about to embark on doing a K series Sprite, and all the suspension and so on mods that go with it. Being a bit tight, and wanting to do as much as possible, I would like to have a go at making as many of the parts as possible.

I would describe myself as an about average welder and maker of simple metal things, but I would like to up the anti a bit.

So, is it worth buying a TIG set and learning how to weld with it and then set about making some hopefully posh and shiny parts, or do I just use the MIG set and accept that they may not look quite as professional?
I would like to do things like make a new fuel tank, swirl pot and such things, and preferably in ally or stainless.

The main thing really is which way the balance goes between buying the parts new, which is going to cost about £2-3K but allow me to fit them straight away versus buying a welder, learning to use it and then the time, effort and no doubt trial and error involved in making the parts.

Any thoughts, or is it just a madman rambling away to himself?

why wouldnt Mig'ing it look professional? It is very easy to get good penetration, and also look nice, and neat.

If you are wanting to Tig some Aluminium bits then it will be a bit of a learning curve for you. First learn to Tig weld mild steel, so you can get the feel, and technique of Tig welding. Then once you are a confident, and competant Tig welder have a go with Aluminium, as it is slightly different again, due to how aluminium melts, and how it reacts if there are any contaminents on the aluminium

Whilst I could MIG it, I just feel that if I'm going to have a look at making some ally bits, then I may as well learn to TIG mild steel, make the steel bits and then progress to the ally stuff.
I've always liked the idea of being able to TIG my own ally things, but maybe it's something best left for after I have the car up and running, especially since I have to mend the shell first.

Hi Si,

Get yourself a few hours of one to one tuition with a pro and then base your decision on that.

That's the best advice I can give.

Cheers
Paul G

DIY Si you're not a million miles from 907 and if he is aggreeable, there's not a person better qualified than he to help you make the decision.

[Edited on 11/8/10 by 2cv]

Thanks 2cv for your kind comment. Cheers.


On the subject of making stuff don't forget it's not just a welder that's needed.

Take a catch tank for instance.

First there's the materials to buy, sheet, bits of tube etc.

Then you've got to cut it. Guillotines quickest, but there's other tools that will do the job.

Square or round? Or to put it another way, Folder or rolls?
You could cut six squares, but think of all that welding, and anyway it doesn't look professional.

Now the holes? Drill, hole saw, punch is best IMHO.

Those ends on the pipes. Must get a jenny.

Now you can weld it. Rods at 35 quid a packet, and have you seen the price of argon?

Now for the bling. Polishing mops and polisher, and one of those nice stainless filters to fit on the top. Only a fiver (+ p&p) on eBay.


So there you have it. It sits on the bench and you just can't wait to fit it to the car.....


then some bar steward puts one in the "for sale" section for thirty notes.



Cheers
Paul G

Hi Paul,
Two good points there. I think, given what you've said in the second post, that it may be something best left for after I have the car up and running the way I want. Given the cost of what I already have in mind, I'm not sure I'll have either the funds or the space in my single garage until after the build. And possibly not even then.
Although I may have a thing or two that needs making.