"David Pidwerbecki" wrote in message
...
I have done a little sheet metal work and have really enjoyed it (although
I'm still a novice). I have a friend who recently shut down his sign
business and sold me some of his sheet metal equipment. It is just perfect
for my home shop:

* Di Acro 24" shear
* Di Acro 24" brake
* Di Acro 6" notcher
* Berkroy 24" rolls

All of the equipment is on stands/casters. I have to clean some of it up a
little, etc. , but in general, it's in good shape.

I have a question about the shear. If I plan on primarily working with
about 20 gage steel, what spacing should I put between the blades? Also,
is there any literature showing how to maintain this equipment, like how
to correctly sharpen the blades (angles, etc.), how to properly adjust the
equipment, etc.? I have printed the manuals from the DiAcro web site, but
the manuals don't have much on tool maintenance and adjustments.

Of course, with all of that equipment, I'm looking for a spot welder. The
American brand is Miller, but there are a number of Miller knock-offs
coming from China (as sold at Harbor Freight). Is the Miller welder made
in America? Is it significantly superior to the China versions? I'm just a
home hobbiest, yet I try to support American industry a much as possible.
It's just that the price difference between the two welders is about $300
and I haven't personally held the Miller welder.

What is your opinion of the Miller vs. the Chineese spot welders?

Used American spot welders are cheap enough at auction, private sale or even
on ebay. Why bother with Chinese stuff in this case?