Gave Carl some more .DXF files to cut out, this time a 14ga stainless gas tank.
A quick edge clean up with a sanding disc on the angle grinder and the parts were nice and clean and TIG welded great.
Everlast customer service was a complete joke when I wanted to upgrade the model welder after I bought mine and then found out they published incorrect specs about it. They refused to take responsibility for their error and wouldn't let me return it and upgrade because then they would be stuck...
I think most radiators shops will replace the end tanks. I've stopped leaking end tanks by whacking the crimp tabs with a hammer and chisel, if that's where the leak is.
I used 7018 stick rod once and it worked just fine. I would recommend using stick over mig unless you have a full sized 230v mig welder (not a small 230v one). Clean out the crack really well with a cutoff wheel or something so it's shiney metal and do a little test section and see if it cracks...
Argon purge or water, or mostly water and argon for the last bit. It only takes a few drops of gas in the seams to create an explosive mixture ratio.
Sometimes people are still killed after taking these precautions.
I found this road on a Sunday drive. It's paved almost all the way to diamond fork road, and that part that is, is almost epic. pretty twisty, great views, smooth road, no traffic.
Sheep Creek, rays valley rd, forest rd, whatever it is...