Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding requires a bunch of preparation. After the welder is setup with the proper power and has the argon hooked up, the torch needs preparation too. One of the tasks is to sharpen the tungsten. The electricity flows off the end of the tungsten to the metal being welded. The tip needs to be held extremely close to the metal. The closer the better. Between shaking and fatigue, the hand control can deteriorate to the point the tip accidently touches the metal. That is called ‘dipping’. Metal will then attach to the tungsten and welding needs to stop until there is a clean sharp tungsten in the torch. Amateurs, like me, do this often. I have a method that makes sharpening tungsten quick. I put the tungsten in a hand held drill. In the other hand, I hold an angle grinder. Once the grinder is up to speed, I rotate the tungsten in the drill and touch the tip on the flat face of the grinder. It works. For the quality that I need, the little imperfections aren’t noticed. I’m sure the professionals are cringing.
Installing drawer slides
The installation of the slides wasn’t too bad. A jig was made out of a 2×8 ripped to 3 3/4 to set the slides on for marking where the pilot holes go. The jig was against the supports and the slides rested on the jig so the holes could be marked. This made sure all the slides were installed evenly. It took a little time. The overall difficulty was low after the process was planned.