Yes, another welding cart........ :-)

For my first post I would share some photos of my first project using my new 250EX. So far I am loving this welder. Compared to my old Syncrowave 250 it feels like cheating.

I have included both pre and post powder coating pics.

The 110 volt outlet box on the back has a solid state relay inside that is triggered by the 220 volt output of the welder. That way I can have my Coolmate 3 (110 volt) come on when I switch on the welder. I thought this would be cheap insurance against forgetting to turn on the cooler and destroying a torch and cables. If anyone is interested in more details on the relay setup let me know.

Very nice. Though out and nothing to fail there. And powder coat. Man... What are your plans for the next project or what do you plan to use the 250EX for. Great machine BTW.

Thanks for the positive comments. I spent quite a while deciding what I needed/wanted and even more time cutting and welding. It was great practice and I am really happy with the way it turned out. I learned a lot about how much everything "moves" when you go from tack welding to finishing the beads. Keeping it all square was a challenge. The powder coating shop I used did a great job. I will be using them again.

I don't really have the next big project planned yet. I have a background in machining and normally just cut everything out of a billet. I wanted to expand my skills and teach myself how to TIG. So far it is going pretty well. The 250EX is working better than I had expected and the build quality (inside and out) exceeded my expectations.

Nice. I wish I had more time for this kind of project. Judging from your screen name I am guessing A&P or pilot?

I am a helicopter pilot (the screen name was cut short), but only for fun. I built an experimental turbine powered helicopter a few years ago and fly that when the weather is good. Attachment 12332Attachment 12333

What turbine engine did you put in the chopper.

It is a modified (custom gearbox housing) Solar T62-32 (160 hp)
http://www.avonaero.com/solar32.htm

Here is a picture of the solid state relay that is inside the 110 volt outlet. Attachment 12336

I love helicopters. I wanted to work on them when I joined the US Army 30 something years ago, but ended up a photographer. One of my sons was a helicopter mechanic in the USMC.
Please tell us all about your machine or link to the info if available.

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Originally Posted by Turbinecopte

Here is a picture of the solid state relay that is inside the 110 volt outlet. Attachment 12336

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I buy a lot from mpja.com a surplus place. Tyco is a good brand.

Very cool! My last job was selling M250 engines for Rolls-Royce used in many a Bell Jet Ranger. Before that I was an integration engineer for them so I can tell you there is some serious work to get that machine to fly most don't ever get past the drawing board. Nice job.

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

I buy a lot from mpja.com a surplus place. Tyco is a good brand.

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Mike, I would have preferred to be able to plug the cooler directly into the back of the welder. I thought this was a pretty good compromise. The SSR should draw well below the max amp rating of the 220 volt outlet on the machine.

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Originally Posted by zoama

I love helicopters. I wanted to work on them when I joined the US Army 30 something years ago, but ended up a photographer. One of my sons was a helicopter mechanic in the USMC.
Please tell us all about your machine or link to the info if available.

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Zoama
My first job was welding frames on Bell G54's same as MASH on TV. Work on them at -40 deg. no fun work for 4 year was in one crash came out not to badly then I quit after 3 died in a G54 the blade weight came out of the end it was the day it was going with them for a test ride I was late for work I hit a duck and it just about knock me off my motorcycle I sat down for a while to get my breath and check the bike over before heading down the road slowly, it was my lucky day or I would not be right this. I still fly in them my neighbor owns National Helicopter I make parts for him on and off.

For those with clearance issues between the argon inlet on the back of the machine and the bottle I had good luck with the AW-407 adapter
Attachment 12338
Attachment 12339