Another Welder stand

[stiffman]

As with many who have proceeded me, a new welder means I must make a stand for it, so here is my effort.

I'm loving the inverter welder. The 170 amp capability is overkill for what I do, but I got a bargain with the welder, so figured why not go bigger, and at the lower amperages I could weld all day without a worrie of it cutting out..
Having easily adjustable amperage settings is so much nicer than having to crank my old buzz box to try a different sized rod, or try different amps

I re-used some 25mm angle iron I had kicking about for the welder stand

I was a little dissapointed with some of my welds, with limited penetration on some joints. Everything seems strong enough for the given task, but I'll be striving to do better. You don't need to worrie about me taking any jobs like building trailers or any such life endangering things. I have a lot to learn yet before I would consider doing anything like that.

The stand is a little springy, so my next thing to do with it will be to add a bit of support towards the bottom, maybe with another shelf or tool bin. Then I'll add some wheels to it as well.

If I can fit somewhere to hang a couple of small angle grinders that would be a bonus

So thats it for now. I'll add some more pictures when I add to the stand.

[stevenstilts]

You have a nice "stand" there and you certainly have the right idea; I would do as you yourself have suggested and brace it up a bit and put wheels (or casters) on it so it can be mobile. Again; really nice job!

[stiffman]

yea, definatley planning on doing both. I'll probably put some casters, ideally with locking ones on the front, and it really does need a bit more bracing, as currently It is a little springy.

It was a fun project. once I get the stand worked out I'll have to find another project to play with.

[LarryO]

I would drop the angle for the uprights and replace with a box section tube.

You will find it difficult if not impossible to eliminate the springy feel with that design and angle uprights.

Do you have the 170 with HF or without? Was looking to buy one recently so i dont have to drag my TIG around to do the occasional on site job.

[ThorsHammer]

You will find it difficult if not impossible to eliminate the springy feel with that design and angle uprights.

you'd have to add uprights to the front, and lose the open front aspect of your design.

Personally, I would like a larger (longer definitely, and possibly wider) base for a mobile cart. tall narrow and top heavy = topple hazzard.

[stiffman]

Originally Posted by LarryO

Do you have the 170 with HF or without? Was looking to buy one recently so i dont have to drag my TIG around to do the occasional on site job.

I only got the straight 170. I'm thinking eventually I'll get the TIG setup for it to play around with, but there was no way I could justify getting the HF option (just a backyard hack really). I only really could justify the 170 over the 130 because I found it online a lot cheaper than in store. i think it was as cheap as, if not cheaper than the 130 would have been to buy in store.

yea, ThorsHammer, I do hear what your saying, I kinda built this without much actual plan, and seeing it built now, I totally agree with you on the topple hazard. I thin I'll need to modify it in some way, especially before I put it on wheels. Maybe it'll just mean loading it up with my Old Buzz box on the bottom for a counter weight, or it might mean a full re design of the base

as for the bounce in it, I think I'll stiffen it up with a bit of bracing via another shelf for tools mid way up, with some support all the way up to the top shelves, I just need to find some more steel, I've used up pretty much all my steel reserves for the time being.

Its always good to hear peoples opinions, thanks guys,
Matt