Build Officially Started!

[Tatey]

I've officially started my build now!

HandyAndy, has very kindly lent me his build table and i've now started assembling it all.

My garage suddenly seems much smaller with an 8'x4' build table in the middle of it

Although 2 steps forward, 1 step back. My recently purchased MIG welder (Clarke 151EN) has got a faulty gas valve, so the torch leaks a small amount of gas, even when the trigger isnt depressed. I've ordered a new one at the grand cost of £18.85 delivered, so all is not lost .

Theres always a silver lining though as it now means i've got all weekend to ensure the bottom rails are perfect without my MIG trying to tempt me into rushing ahead .

I'll start a build blog shortly and put the link in my signature.

I'd just like to thank HandyAndy and the rest of you's in getting me to this stage so far, im sure i'll require more help in the future though

Cheers
Tatey

[flyerncle]

Nice one Tatey go for it,shout if you get stuck.

[HandyAndy]

all the best for your build mate,

the chassis outline on the table is just about visible under the coffee mug stains

enjoy your build & you know where i am if needed,
watch out for the front frame

andy

[Tatey]

Wow.....

I've been doing a running total of all of the costs of my build. So far the total is......£601.03

The majority being tool costs, the main being my MIG which owed me £200 now , i knew the bloody things where expensive

Although i've now got pretty much a fully functioning 'workshop', all of the steel for my build, my roll bar and steering rack, so i should be sorted for the next few months.

[dogwood]

Originally Posted by Tatey

My recently purchased MIG welder (Clarke 151EN) has got a faulty gas valve, so the torch leaks a small amount of gas, even when the trigger isnt depressed. I've ordered a new one at the grand cost of £18.85 delivered, so all is not lost .

Cheers
Tatey

Hi Tatey.

Can I just ask,
Is that for the compleat gun, or just the little brass jobbie inside?
Also where did you get it from?
My wife asked at Machine Mart when she collected some stuff for me.
They just told her to get it from the parts dep't.....?????

Cheers David

[Tatey]

Its just for the little brass jobbie inside (although its now aluminium/brass). If you sign up to the MIG welding forum and PM a guy called weldequip. He'll be able to sort you out. He's a clarke supplier and a really nice guy (called Steve), really seems to know his stuff.

I ordered £80.04 worth of bits, new swan neck, regulator, tips, shrouds and wire at 3pm on tues last week, and i received it next day via parcelforce. He even knocked the postage price off for me when i ask for student/armed forces discount

He's highly recommended on the MIG welding forum.

Simon

[dogwood]

Cheers for that mate.

I'll give him a try.


David

[AshG]

machine mart have a mail order parts department the number is on the back of the calalogue.

to be honest i wouldnt bother with them just go to weldquip on the mig welding forum. i ordered a new bit for my engine lift from machine mart and it took 2months to turn up.

[dogwood]

Oh so thats where the MM parts dep't is.

Anyway, I'm waiting for their next VAT free day.
I think I'm going to buy a new welder.

The one I got really is on it's last legs,
it'll only run a couple of mins before it overheats.
I'm going to get the new valve for it though.
I leave it in the UK for the odd jobs there.

David

PS....Any idea when Maidstone MM is having their next VAT free day ?

[Tatey]

Well i've now got the bottom rails fixed onto the build table, all of the dimensions seem to be perfect . I've also cut U3-U6 and nearly finished the front frame, i just need to make a jig and cut the 14 degree angle at the top, but i need my new gas valve for my MIG before i can do that.

So now its a waiting game as i dont want to cut anymore bits before i've got everything tacked together.