Miller @ Airventure 2008

[MoNkEyT88]

I went to the show today in Oshkosh, at EAA's Airventure 2008.

 

As I was walking around, admiring the beautiful display of aircraft, and really taking a notice to all of the awesome fabrication that is put in to them, we came upon a Licoln Electric welding display.

 

Nothing special, just running MIG I believe, although I was kind of sad that there were no Miller machines.. (call me biased)

 

Anyway, we keep walking, and I see a huge Miller display with 2 semi trucks, and a huge tent.

 

They also had at least 12 demo areas where you could try out anything from Plasma to GTAW and GMAW.

 

I really wanted to try my hands on an AC TIG machine, as I've never done any aluminum.

 

I got setup on a Miller Dynasty 200 DX. (Normally ~$3350, show price $2800)

 

I got my helmet and gloves on, and after a quick demo from an employee, he told me just to go ahead, because I've had experience with DC TIG before.

 

Started the arc and started a pool, and then started the fillet weld. I must say, it's a lot easier than I've made myself thing it would be.

 

Besides fillet welds, I also did some edge welds, and lap welds. They were all very very clean, and looked as if they were polished. I think in part, because of the square wave setup, and the argon shielding.

 

I was so impressed, I had to go grab my friend and come back. He gave it a try. He's never TIG welded before, and it was kind of a mess, which made me appreciate my experience a little more.

 

I got a few compliments on my welding, after I explained that this is the first time I've ever done any aluminum, but had experience with DC TIG.

 

I was going to grab a coupon to bring with me, but we couldn't wait around for it to cool.. Damn, I should have taken pics..

 

I'd say most were comparable to this.

 

And some of my best were like this.

 

Anyway, I'm hooked, and really wish I could start doing some fabrication.

 

My Z project is on hold, as I'm purchasing a house soon. But, then hopefully I can get everything in order.

[MoNkEyT88]

Some other neat fab.

[Chewievette]

You know, I go to Oshkosh every year for the entire week and I always get home and find that I've missed something! While I did hang out at the Miller display for a while (a friend was working the booth), I totally missed that sweet turbo LS! Who built that setup? I have a nifty idea for something like that..