I'm sure everyone reading has noticed my lack of posting over the last 3 years, but I've finally finished grad school!  I collected my second diploma from Carnegie Mellon last month, but now I'm back in action!

For the past few years, I've been considering the purchase of a TIG welder.  I had all of the research done, but didn't have time to use it so I postponed the purchase.  Now that I have free time again, I bought myself a graduation gift!  I picked up a Miller Dynasty 210DX AC/DC TIG welder from cyberweld.com.  It's the complete package including a water cooler, I'm happy with it!

"DO NOT DOUBLE STACK"

Luckily the machine inside was fine!

All set up! I haven't had much of a chance to use it yet, but I'm looking forward to getting more practice on the TIG!

In other news, I helped my Uncle Rich build a workbench in his new garage.  He broke ground over 2 years ago and it's almost complete!  He wanted a sturdy workbench, so I helped him build this.

The first layer is 3/4" MDF glued and screwed into the 2x6 frame.

The second layer is 3/4" birch plywood, bonded in place with Liquid Nails and screwed from the bottom for a smooth work surface.

Complete!

Next step is a lift, then he's ready for a proper project!

In addition to not working on my Jetta much over the past 3 years, my Rabbit has been getting tired but I didn't have time to research new cars and replace it.  I finally pulled the trigger on a new 2018 GTI S!  After 10-1/2 years and almost 160,000 miles, rust was taking over the Rabbit and it was time to go.  I sold it to Woody, he'll be driving it for the next 10 years!