Okay, as some of you may have read a previous thread of mine, I am looking to build a work bench. But since I want it to stand up to the grueling punishments that I may subject it to, I have come to the conclusion that metal, with a wooden swap top and shelf, would be the best bet. Because, I am kind of a messy worker, and like surfaces that I can easily wipe up(I would use a sheet metal swap top for finish work.)
But my problem is, that I unfortunately dont have a welding torch to do the job. I thought about bolts, but, it wouldnt work for the way I am thinking of designing it... not to mention I would end up cutting them out, and thus collapsing the thing by the end of the second day... since I always manage to run into those kinds of things...
So, although, this is a wood working comunity, I was hoping a few of you would have welding experience, and could point me in the correct direction...
So my question is: Should I rent a welder, which would probably cost me about $45 per day, less the materials(shielding gas/flux wire, et cetera), or should I buy a cheapo Harbour freight one, for perhaps $109(can only do flux)-$180(can do gas+flux). I figure the project will take a few days, at the very least, and, the harbor freight ones come with a shield(I would get another one, since its only a hand held one... I would have singed retinas by the end of the day....) a brush, wire, et cetera.
I am starting up my job again, and just for this weekend, I rekkon that I will profit atleast $75, possibly more(not sure how long boss will keep me on, because it really isnt 100% beach season yet...) So, I am not too concerned about it costing a little money... but still, I want cheap....
So to break it down:
Rent(using online statistic): $45 per day
Buy HF: $109-$180 to own
Now bear in mind, I am not the one day gets all done kind of guy... I usually like to take my time... since rush=injury....
-Thanks
Brendan