Project WidowMaker - The Chevelle Build Thread

[The WidowMaker]

I have to ask somthing here. What all are you using for major tools? Welders? Chop saw? Benders? Fixtures? The tools/cost of tools are what have kept me away from doing anything like this. Do you have quite the collection of awesome fabricating tools?

well, i actually dont have that much to work with. my wife would disagree, but i think my collection is on the average.

miller 210 mig - wish i would have got the 251 for the infinte adjustability

miller dynasty 200dx tig - but havent used it yet. still sitting in the closet brand new after 4 months

makita 4.5" variable speed angle grinder - wouldnt use or buy anything that didnt have variable speed. its proved to be very valuable especially when using flap discs.

makita variable speed router - makes aluminum work a breeze

makita 12" sliding compound miter - old carbide wood blades for cutting aluminum if i take it real slow. spins too fast for true aluminum work.

bosch varible speed jig saw - use this for cutting the 3/16 plate

dewalt chop saw - wish i would have bought the carbide tipped version since none of the abrasive ones i have tried cut straight.

home built 48" sheet metal brake - i could do better the second round, but it works for what i need



woodward fab 8" shear - $100 shipped to my door, and it makes patch panels a breeze. i used to trim everything with the grinder and cut off wheel.

ingersoll rand 80 gal 7.5hp compressor - makes painting and tool operation a no brainer. my old compressor would run constantly and then i would have to stop. this one kicks on, build up and shuts off, all without me stopping. got a good deal on ebay and it was brand new. spent about 6 months looking though.

index vertical mill - its the newest addition and its sweet as hell. i picked it up from a family friend for 300 bucks, and spents about 2 full days taking every single piece off of it and cleaning it back up. the lead screws are pretty worn so im off about .020 in the x and y, but my z axis is within .001. the x and y just make it a little more difficult to move it one direction and then move it back. i have to rezero it every time. i looked into replacements and index wants $1000 for 2 screws and 2 nuts. if anyone has a lead on these, let me know! either that or DRO.

other than that, vices, hammers, hand tools....... nothing else special. im 26 and got married young, but i did my best to buy everything before she could tell me not to. shes still understanding, but its much harder now. i have to come up with a house project to get anything now. i actually finished the kitchen this summer. saved my self about 10k, got some cool tools, and the confidence to spray the car. conversion varnish is much harder than any auto body stuff ive ever sprayed!