rookie fabricator in need of help

[TerraKill]

basicly, my main aim in life is to become a top quality fabricator / 3d cad designer.


im currently self teaching myself how to use solidworks, and getting lessons from my new boss (hes uber at designing) so i have the 3d cad covered, and im slowly getting there.


and for the fabrication part, this is where id like som advise.


im in the process of building myself a fairsize workshop (488cm L x 366cm D x 244cm H) i have the main frame and shell materials in, and got the main 4 foundation holes dug, im hoping to have the main frame build by end of this week.


now when i have my workshop build, im ordering


a mini lathe,


mini milling machine,


pillar drill,


metal benders,


MIG welder,


few vice's,


small press,


grinding/buffing wheels,


small anvil/metalworkers block,


and hand tools.


im also going to try and build a vacum forming table(ive alrdy designed one) and try my hands on a bit of body making (im pitty good with wood so im sure i can make a nice wooden mold by hand)


is there any essential tools/machines i will need that i have missed out? im asking for help as to be honest i don't know what i need, ive not really done this by myself before, i have genral knowlage but im not to clued up on everything im going to need, or everything im gonna wanna do, for example ive once or twice before, so i don't know much about welders, so would a mig welder be a good varsitile choice?. but theres only one place to start i think


thanks anyone for your input, and reading my essays

 

[cordy]

Depends on what you desire to weld.Welding aluminum you will need argon gas. Perhaps you could inquire about aluminum brazeing rods,thier made and available on your side of the pond.You can google aluminum brazeing rods. That being said good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Caveman80]

As for hand tools don't forget about some quality files, never know when you'll need them.

 

[acewelderman]

I love my TIG welder!I use it to fab all the time.& some good hand tools !Take a welding class at a adult enrichement type class ..you wont regret doing it!!

 

[Guest]

A tig is what you will want if you plan on welding aluminum. Migs are the easiest to use but don't do as well on aluminum. Aluminum takes some experience to weld. You will need a good instructor for aluminum. Welding is one of those skills that if you understand what you are doing you will get better with every weld.

 

[Cajun]

I am a Roadway Designer and use Microstations, Never thought about playing with Solidworks but you have peaked my intrest