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It takes a lot of different processes and materials coming together to make these creations come to life. The right welding equipment, tools, and consumable products make my daily work process much easier, help me focus on the art, and keep me working efficiently as a successful artist. So, for those who are interested in creating and want to know more about products I trust and prefer, this page is for you!
220MP Multi-Process welder, MIG, TIG, STICK, My "swiss army knife" all-around use welder in daily production. This is where most of my work happens.
220ACDC TIG welder
My go-to unit for aluminum TIG work. Also great for the delicate and more precise and cosmetically important work when I need to keep splatter to a minumum and control the heat.
270MIG, my MIG and Spoolgun-ready unit. This is my beast of a machine for laying down heavy textures for hours. It doesn't need to slow down on anything I have pushed it through so far, just keeps on laying beads and textures. I also love to leave it set up with the 250A Pro spoolgun with a 25ft reach, loading it with .030 CuSi for my non-ferrous metal MIG-brazing on-the-fly. This makes moving from one object of steel to another made of brass, to one of copper, etc., seamless. No need to stop and setup a machine or change wire reels or changeout feed mechanisms. Just pick up the spoolgun and get to it. A huge timesaver, not to mention the benefit of keeping focus on direction of the art, not the process of swapping things around to get back to the flow. This is probably one of the best time-saving setups I have in my arsenal.
Forney's Variable Speed Angle Grinder has outlasted all my other grinders, even more expensive units by other manufacturers. I have yet to find the quality and comfort for your dollar anywhere else. It's great being able to step out into the studio, just pick it up and go to work day after day trouble-free.
The Fornair 2.0 is a wonderful, extra quiet compressor with only 69 decibels of sound level while operating. It has a good steady output up to 120psi, and fit's right into their large cart. I love the built-in telescoping transport handle and dual port as well. It has powered my 40P plasma cutter and taken care of my air supply needs daily, while being quiet and compact.
When it comes to welded art, the equipment you use makes all the difference in the world if you plan on being productive and profitable. I have found this out through trial and error with a number of other brands of welding equipment.
I am proud to say that Forney Industries creates welding equipment, consumables, and PPE's that not only make the work much more efficient, but also more enjoyable and help me be successful and safe at what I do. The reliability of their machines keeps me productive. On top of the reliability, Forney makes support of their products a top priority, so they have your back if you have questions or needs. I can tell you from my own experiences that having equipment from a company that is happy to step up and help you make the most of what they manufacture is a major bonus!
I use the 270MIG, 220ACDC TIG unit, and 220MP multiprocess machine and their PRO helmet as well as the 250 PRO spoolgun . Those take care of TIG, MIG, MIG Brazing or Stick welding processes of regular steel, stainless steel, cast iron, brass, copper, titanium, and aluminum. That gives me a near limitless range of materials and objects to utilize in sculptures and automatons. Their technology makes setup and adjustments while welding effortless and quick.
I've also added the wonderful 40P Plasma cutter, 2.0cfm portable compressor, and easy to roll around large welding cart. This combo makes quick work of my cutting pieces of various metals, as well as enables me to create custom-designed work by hand with the plasma cutter. Clean cuts,reliability, and portability make this a winning combo, and cut down on time with the grinder. It's a win-win!
If you are looking for a great grinder for your hard-earned bucks, I highly recommend trying Forney's Variable Speed Angle Grinder. I've used many brands of grinders of various amperages and design, from less expensive units to high-priced units as well. As an artist, I use them all day long and being able to grip the grinder without undue stress on my arm muscles and grip are a must. At the end of the day, uncomfortable design or heavy grinders, can leave you sore and in pain for the rest of the evening. Also, reliability is priority one, without that you can't get work done. Forney's grinder fits the bill perfectly. It is not only easy to grip, and strong enough to do the jobs I need done, but it has also outlasted all my other similarly-rated brands, including my Bosch, Dewalt, Metabo, and other grinders that gave up on me when I needed them most. I am happy to say my Forney unit is still working hard every day, and has the added benefit of variable speed. I use this feature for polishing with felt wheels and compounds for mirror-like finishes (see an example of this with my horse sculpture "Chronoequinology 2.0"), or when I need to use a less aggressive technique. It gives me more precise control of the processes.
Forney Industries is an innovative and quality company with strong customer service, an honest hard-working team with family values, and are true professionals that listen to the welding community while continuing in their constant search for ways to improve and help their clients grow and succeed.
If you are thinking about getting into metal art, or even if you are an "old pro" welder, I highly recommend taking a look at what Forney is offering for almost any application. Click on the banner above for more info, you'll be glad you did!
The 40P plasma cutter has proved a versatile and vital part of my equipment. It not only saves me funds on cutoff wheel and saw blade consumables, but is many times faster and cuts with far less mess than cutoff wheels. It makes quick work of most metals I use in my art, and can cut up to 5/8" mild steel. I love being able to cut designs in sheetmetals and metal objects, such as steel tanks. It has opened up a whole new world of creativity and opportunities! All this, and it is also highly portable, light, and able to run on 120VAC or 230VAC, so it gives you a lot of freedom.
Creating a horse bust from an old motorcycle gas tank and a variety of antiques and salvaged metal objects , all put together with the Forney multiprocess 220MP and Variable Speed Forney Grinder.