Jake-

Thanks for your kind words! This is a full size version of a smaller maquette, and required some "re-engineering" as I scaled it up. I don't have a crane, so I designed it so I can take it appart, and move it around with an appliance hand truck. It's also one of the reasons I'm planning to get a TIG welder so I can work in aluminum ;-)

Bob,

If I was gong to be doing much work of this size in aluminum, I think I'd go for a MIG welder with spool gun for aluminum. TIG is super clean and accurate, but way slow compared to MIG.

Rich

Rich-

It took a while, but I did take your advice. I just got a new Millermatic 211 and a Spoolmate 100 spool gun. They were both on sale with a promotion and rebate from Miller. I haven't tried it yet (battening down the hatches in the house and studio for Irene this weekend). But you probably have more experience with that down there then we do up here ;-)

Hope you are doing well!

Bob 2ran

That piece is now in "Art in the Orchard" in Northampton, MA
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-in-the-Orchard/225989180773514#!/media/set/?set=a.235179876521111.59507.225989180773514&type=1

Bob,

Good show! Hope you make out well with Irene. I didn't have much problem, just some shop flooding and roads washed out. I needed another hobby - not!

Rich