Bob, thanks for the post, I couldn't aggree more.

I'm early in my Tailwind project. I built the wing attach and strut
fittings with a small oxy-propane torch from a department store, the
ones that use the small oxygen bottles that cost $10 (Canadian bucks,
so that's about $1.99 US ;^) It took 7 of those to do 6 fittings. If
anyone is considering trying such a rig, read the lable on the O2
bottle. There's 1.4 ounces in there, it's got to be one of the worst
deals possible.

I also remember back to high school shop class, I used to run a pretty
good bead. I was really having trouble with the oxy-propane, forming
the puddle and keeping it molten. I eventually relented and forked
out Can$400 for a 'B' acetylene and 145 cu ft oxygen tank along with a
cheap Chinese copy of a Victor medium duty torch with regulators for
$190. (this looks to be the same kit Harbor Freight sells as the
"Chicago Electric" 92496-4VGA for $140) Oddly enough it became
ludicrously easy to run a practice bead. The right gear does indeed
make a difference! I've since received my TM Tech "Meco Midget" torch
for a comparitively hefty price of $400, but holy smokes it is indeed
worth it. I haven't yet started working the thin wall 4130 tubing,
but my few practice welds show some superb heat control with this
little gem.

Folks, if you're on the fence, pull out the credit card, save those
pennies. Do whatever it takes to get the right equipment. Your doing
youself no favours trying to learn the skills while fighting the wrong
tools. If your not already familiar, when you visit your local
welding supplier, he'll "sell" you your first set of tanks, when
they're empty, you swap them out for another set and you only pay for
the gasses, not another set of bottles.

I've now got a large order of tubing on the way and I'm looking
forward to a summer of making metal puddles.

Cheers
Gerry
Tailwind W-10
Edmonton, Alberta