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17th Jun 2021, 10:43 PM #16Most Valued Member
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No I don’t have a link, I think I saw it on a blog some years ago when Chinese TIG machines first started becoming affordable to the home gamer.
You make a set of tongs like everyone that makes one from a microwave transformer, but instead of using the transformer you just plug it into the welder. Much more versatile with most basic inverters these days having control over almost every variable of the delivered waveform. I started building one some years ago, something, something, lame excuse, something, and then ended up repurposing the material a few years back.
You probably could use the drill press as the basis for your tongs if you were crafty, you’d need to put a bit of thought into insulation, but certainly not beyond the realms I don’t think, albeit somewhat unconventional.
Those drawers turned out really good Simon, I’d be pretty happy with that if I were you.
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25th Jun 2021, 12:46 AM #17Most Valued Member
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- Aug 2011
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Hey thanks Tadpole.
It was really the first attempt at sheet metal folding which is lots of fun, especially considering I made the folder too!
BTW, the second drawer, I decided to tack weld the rear on. Just a split second with my arc welder using 2mm 316 rods and set to 60 amps got the job done. Had to be quick though, anymore than a split second and I would have burnt a hole. Love my inverter arc welder, so versatile and forgiving compared to a transformer welder.
On a side note, I had to fold some 3mm aluminium, 1000mm long. I physically didn't have the strength. It's amazing how these folding forces get out of hand!
I ended up using an extension bar as a lever. In the end my folder managed it without any noticeable flex, I just didn't have the strength!
Conclusion:
successfully over engineered!
Simon
Sent from my SM-G970F using TapatalkGirl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.
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25th Jun 2021, 07:49 AM #18Philomath in training
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You'll be surprised how much a counterweight helps in that situation. Another option for that might be running a weight in a piece of tube/ RHS down the wall, with some sprockets and a bit of roller chain to transfer the force.
Michael
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26th Jun 2021, 08:14 AM #19Most Valued Member
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Thanks Michael, that's a great idea and worth investigating.
Simon
Sent from my SM-G970F using TapatalkGirl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.
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26th Jun 2021, 10:24 AM #20Philomath in training
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Just remember to put a through pin in the RHS so that you can secure the weight when it is up.
Michael
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26th Jun 2021, 08:55 PM #21Most Valued Member
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Hi Michael,
One thing I'm a little confused about;
With a conventional counter weight, it is naturally balanced when in the dead vertical position (as you would want) and only contributes to folding force as you move the leaf. With a counter weight held with a wire rope, it's always acting on the leaf even when the leaf is in the "relaxed" position.
Is that why you need a pin when the leaf is down and the weight is at the top?
Sent from my SM-G970F using TapatalkGirl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.
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27th Jun 2021, 08:27 AM #22Philomath in training
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- Oct 2011
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- Norwood-ish, Adelaide
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I was thinking of the pin to hold the weight up when you were working on the folder, but yes, you are right in that it would be needed to keep the folding leaf from wanting to roll over all the time if you had just a straight sprocket and weight. A form of foot operated brake (old car drum brake?) might be a good idea too, just to stop the movement at the right time.
For reasons I can't fathom, in my mind I pictured a counter weight on an arm, pivoted on the wall, linked with chain so that the angle of the folder and the angle of the counter weight were sync'd.
Hmm. I think I'm complicating things too much here.
Michael
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27th Jun 2021, 09:35 PM #23Most Valued Member
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