Brian, Hello. I live in North Carolina. If SC is South Carolina then hello neighbor. I have been building a steel house and became a pretty good welder. I would be glad to help, I have the bug to build a python too but need to first finish my house and organize my shop. I recommend going to a local Harbor Freight (or on line www.harborfreight.com ) buying their mig welder and helment. This is a link to their items. Sign up and get a 15% coupon before you make the purchase. Reconditioned NEW welder http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=55525 Helment http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91214 Chris 336-686-0930 Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:13:56 -0700 From: briannsmith@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [python] welding To: python@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Dear Pythonauts, After 70+ years of cycling I bought a rear-drive under-steer Actionbent recumbent <www.actionbent.com> and now have more than 32,000 km virtually trouble free. It is a delight to ride - so why should I pine for a python? But I do. Even now in my 81st year. I have a garage load of scrap bikes and parts but no welding experience and a budget that will not stretch to TIG nor MIG. I can buy a "buzz-box" new for $79 or an AC/DC welder for $104. Is DC a real advantage? I have some confidence that by sufficient trial and error on scrap tubing I can teach myself to weld - classes at a distant technical college are not practical for me. If any have the time to advise on how "to get my feet wet" I will be most grateful Regards to all Brian in SC USA _________________________________________________________________ Internet Explorer 8 – Get your Hotmail Accelerated. Download free! http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/141323790/direct/01/