Bynary Builds

  I decided it was long past time to add welding to my skill set, so I purchased a multi-process welder and some flux core wire and decided my first projects should be a welding table and welding cart (I know.. maybe overly ambitious for a first project, but might as well go big). Anyway, after working on my flux core welds for a while, I found I was struggling a bit with visibility and spatter.  I had the opportunity to spend a little time with another welder in the neighborhood and run a few beads with his MIG setup.  I had always heard that MIG was better for spatter and cleaner welds (plus no slag), but hadn't realized that MIG might actually improve weld puddle visibility. Long story short (I know... too late), I picked up an Argon/CO2 regulator, hose, and 80cu 75/25% tank along with some MIG wire.  After I received the tank, I realized I needed a stand to stabilize the tank until I completed the welding cart to include tank storage. Since I'm a wood worker by d...

Normally, my woodworking projects tend to be a bit boxy since they were designed to be sturdy and functional first and then aesthetics... possibly (if ever). As a result, I approached my idea to build a guitar stand from an entirely different perspective.  I wanted to build something with sexy curves and personality first, and then make sure it wasn't going to fall apart. I started with a section of scrap 1" x 10" whitewood boards I had remaining from another project.  I rough sketched an "L" shape into the section so I could effectively get (2) stand legs from a single section and then used a jig saw to cut the legs and center board with a curved shape. After cutting the legs and center board, I decided to go with a simple dowel rod to join the pieces rather than a traditional joint to emphasize the shapes and gang drilled (3) 25/64" holes to allow a 3/8" dowel to be used and move as necessary.   Once that was complete, the assembly was simply threadi...