My DIY bed cap

[WILDHOBO]

It is 100% aluminum so far, and I am using a Harbor Freight OmniPro 220 with a spool gun.

So mig? I’ve been thinking about getting a miller 211 with a spool gun, but haven’t pulled the trigger. I’m thinking about building a bumper out of aluminum.

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[WILDHOBO]

Truth be told, I am garage-less right now. I am renting a bay in my neighbor's barn and I moved this project indoors (I built 90% of it outside) and I'm currently working on it in an old pig pen. Not ideal, but I'm making it work.

I know the feeling. Very little indoor space makes it very tough, especially in the winter.

 

[Benbean66]

So mig? I’ve been thinking about getting a miller 211 with a spool gun, but haven’t pulled the trigger. I’m thinking about building a bumper out of aluminum.

Yes, it's a mig, stick, and DC TIG welder all in one unit. I had a smaller Miller before this one, and so far I like this unit better, for what I do.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Yes, it's a mig, stick, and DC TIG welder all in one unit. I had a smaller Miller before this one, and so far I like this unit better, for what I do.

I have a larger miller arc welder that works great for steel, but I’m admittedly attracted to the auto set features on the miller. As an amateur hobbyist, it would save me from having to do so much trial and error.

 

[Benbean66]

I have a larger miller arc welder that works great for steel, but I’m admittedly attracted to the auto set features on the miller. As an amateur hobbyist, it would save me from having to do so much trial and error.

Yes, it helps a lot

 

[Mules]

I love DIY'ers! Keep us posted on the progress.

 

[Benbean66]

I love DIY'ers! Keep us posted on the progress.

Not gonna lie, I obsessed over your build as you were posting pics of the progress. Such an awesome idea, and practical outcome. I will keep you guys/girls up to date as it progresses. Cold temps and life are keeping it at a slow pace, though.

 

[Mules]

Not gonna lie, I obsessed over your build as you were posting pics of the progress. Such an awesome idea, and practical outcome. I will keep you guys/girls up to date as it progresses. Cold temps and life are keeping it at a slow pace, though.

Thanks!!!
I’m just about done building mine so the torch is passed to you. Now it’s your responsibility to keep us entertained with your build posts. Great job so far!

 

[Benbean66]

Thanks!!!
I’m just about done building mine so the torch is passed to you. Now it’s your responsibility to keep us entertained with your build posts. Great job so far!

I have some pretty big shoes to fill!! Thank you for the recognition.

 

[Benbean66]

Hello.
I got both the frames built for the side doors, and the frames where the doors will rest in when closed. Pictures are difficult to take due to poor lighting and cramped working environment. I also got one side mounted up and hung the first door on its hinge.

 

[Benbean66]

Never posted a video before so I'm not sure if this will work...

 

[Camaroboi13]

Never posted a video before so I'm not sure if this will work...

Seems to work just fine, curious to see how it holds up to any type of abuse. I have the DekoPro Amazon welder that does the same thing as yours, but I haven’t done any testing with TIG stuff yet.

 

[Benbean66]

Seems to work just fine, curious to see how it holds up to any type of abuse. I have the DekoPro Amazon welder that does the same thing as yours, but I haven’t done any testing with TIG stuff yet.

I'm going to brace and stiffen the hinge area, but it should be pretty solid once closed and latched. I went with an aluminum piano hinge to keep the sides as smooth as possible, but if I have to go with a more rugged hinge down the road, I can change it later.

 

[cranbiz]

I picked up a Yeswelder MP200 when they first came out on the Kickstarter campaign. While it does not do Aluminum (as designed) it does MIG (Gas and Flux Core)/TIG/Stick and has a Plasma cutter. On Kickstart, it was $500. It's a heck of a little machine. I have done many things for the Jeep, motorhome and house stuff. I really like having access to the plasma cutter and it does a great job on gas MIG.

I saw a UTube video on welding Aluminum on a MIG machine and bought the parts. It does work but I wouldn't use it on a large project like this one. It needs a lot of clean up. It works well for small stuff.

 

[Benbean66]

Got the driver's side almost all made up, just need to finish welding the seams, clean it up, and install the latches. Then the saw horses collapsed, and it fell on the floor. Ugh... It's always something.

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