Steve Thomas wrote:

J,

Thanks for that helpful insight. I will keep it all in mind. Sice I do not
have a TIG machine or experience using one, and I do not have much
experience using a torch to weld with, would it be kosher to tack the pieces
together with a MIG and then have a professional welder finish the process
by using a torch? The local pro that I have used in the past for various
projects gave me the impression that he would rather weld with his a/o torch
than his TIG machine.

--
Have a good one!

Steve

A/O rig will cost as much as a good MIG set, but is a better choice
for welding thin wall 4130.

On the other hand, it's a lot easier to tack with the MIG since it
only takes one hand.

But if you are building a steel tube airframe, you are going to need
a good torch to weld on a thousand little tabs and such.

Either technique will require practice.

Richard

PS: Thank Barnyard for the link to WinMitre.
Very handy little tool there.