Metalworking

Welders

  • MIG: Yeswelder MIG-205DS ($479)
  • TIG: Titanium (Harbor Freight, ~$320)
  • upgrade multi-process: Lincoln Electric K4876-1 ($2099)

Grinders

  • angle grinders
    • corded
      • under $100: Ridgid R1006 ($68)
      • around $150: Makita 9564CV ($157)
    • cordless: Milwaukee M18 Fuel
  • bench grinder
    • standard: Shop Fox
    • upgrade: JET industrial

Other

  • metal polish
    • all-arounder: Autosol (cheap and great at everything)
    • standard: California Custom Purple / CarPro Metallicut
      • Metallicut has a very strong solvent smell
    • better finish: Mothers Mag & Aluminium (almost as good as Mercury)
    • best finish: Auto Finesse Mercury (expensive, only for finishing)
    • aggressive: Quick-Glo original (best for removing oxidation and surface rust)