Buggybuilder: Bit of quiet time to set up

Since my last update I've had my hands full with a large project at work, second child and then getting seconded into IT management. However things have not been standing still.

I was recently in the process of selling my little 9x20 lathe in order to fund purchase of an Enco 12x36 fixer-upper. The Enco was an older 1980's 3phase belt drive, missing a back gear for lower spindle rpm and a following steady. I could sort out a steady though the back gear would be a mission. If driven by VFD I could still get the full range of RPM.

Trupro 9x20 after a clean:

Two days after I helped deliver the 9x20 I got an offer on a newer gear head 12x36 complete with all original accessories and a larger motor. Pretty much ready to use for NZ$300 more than what I sold the 9x20 for. I'd prefer the belt drive but a newer machine with parts available and a gap bed that will take 19" swing was too tempting.

Hafco 12x36 prior to pickup:

All the chucks and accessories together weigh more than the 9x20. In fact the workspace of the new lathe is larger than the whole 9x20!

Till recently I was using an old 180A AC/DC HF transformer welder. I replaced the rectifier diodes and fitted it with a powered gas-thru fitting on the front cover to take modern torches. It was never used to weld aluminium as the power requirements were higher than the rated supply of my shop. In general anything thicker than 5mm would be a challenge in DC to.