Most of us probably use spray paint for small projects around the house. We might even be tempted to try repairing body damage on our vehicle with the old rattle can. But we’ve all seen the results of a botched spray bomb touch-up going down the road. And it usually […]
When it’s time to choose a vise for your workshop, the choices can be overwhelming. Do you need cast iron or steel? Swivel base or fixed? How large is too large? And what does heavy duty really mean? For professionals and more serious DIY fabricators and mechanics, this last question […]
When shopping for modern TIG welders or multi-process welders, you’re likely to come across a feature called 2T/4T Mode. The 2T and 4T refer to two distinctly different modes of torch switch operation on a TIG welder. If you’re new to welding, you may not understand what these features are […]
Imagine telling all your car friends you’re going to roll the primer onto your restoration project. You should expect raised eyebrows and incredulous looks, naturally. You may as well have just declare you’ll be knitting your car’s new paint job. Yet, despite the initial absurdity, rolling on primer might just […]
If you’ve ever experienced the near-silent operation of a scroll-type air compressor, you know what a game-changer they can be. Whether you’re using one at home or in a business environment, they make a very attractive alternative to noisy piston-style compressors. Not only are they quiet, but they’re also capable […]
Metal Inert Gas welding – aka, MIG welding – is one of the most important skills you can learn as a restorer or fabricator. Compared to TIG welding, it’s also a fairly easy skill to pick up and learn, especially for steel projects. Nevertheless, there are some critical basics you […]
When you’re trying to decide on paint for your project, the choices can be confusing. Beyond the color itself, there are decisions like whether to use single-stage or a base/clear system, for instance. And then there’s all the ratios – 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 – or none at all with ready-to-spray […]
Whether it’s a cars-and-coffee or a concours d’elegance, it’s virtually impossible to arrive at an event in a spotless vehicle. If a perfect appearance is your goal, some on-site final prep will be required, no matter how good your detailing is it or how carefully you drove. The key to […]
I say it often – paying attention to the smallest details is the difference between repair and restoration. Whether that’s applying the correct finish to an original part or choosing a period-correct accessory, details matter. Which is why I chose to restore rather than replace the 23-year-old speakers in my […]
