This is really a cool project. Of course starting out I was frustrated. I haven't used my Plasma Cutter for a couple of years. (see My Shop Page for a picture) Cutting this 1/8" stainless by hand is out of the question.  When I started up the Plasma Cutter it wouldn't work. I tried everything. These things are expensive & I'm not about to get another one anytime soon.  Anyway, after tearing it apart I discovered a loose ground wire.... what a relief.

So, John needs a custom Computer Monitor Stand that can hold two monitors, one on top of the other. This is a great opportunity to do some metal working in aluminum.

This page was last updated on: April 19, 2008

The base is 1/4" plate and the riser is 1"x3" tube. This picture shows a commercially produced monitor bracket. I need to make my own.

Welding Aluminum is a real challenge. Unlike steel, aluminum has a very narrow heat range. Too much heat & you burn through and/or melt everything. Too little & you just get a weak bead of aluminum on the surface of the joint.

Cutting the base.                                                              Holes spaced 1" apart.

Wow! Look @ that "excellent" weld job! I am a trained professional, don't try this at home. Of course what you don't see in the pictures is the six or seven times I practiced doing this weld on spare aluminum. Thanks, John for the project.

Next Project:  My brother wants a Big Grill !

He wants to cook a lot of whatever @ the same time. So he bought a 3' x 5' stainless grill surface. I figure he'll be able to cook 35 to 40 halves of chicken at the same time. (hope I get invited)

So what we're making is a base for the fire, a cleanout door on the back side and a work surface on each side of the grill. Of course it's all stainless except for the bottom. The grill top will be adjustable so that it can be either 8" or 10" above the charcoal.

Note the grill top surface in the background leaning against someones Mustang..

This is really a cool project. Of course starting out I was frustrated. I haven't used my Plasma Cutter for a couple of years. (see My Shop Page for a picture) Cutting this 1/8" stainless by hand is out of the question.  When I started up the Plasma Cutter it wouldn't work. I tried everything. These things are expensive & I'm not about to get another one anytime soon.  Anyway, after tearing it apart I discovered a loose ground wire.... what a relief.

Over the years I've learned a very important component to doing good work and insuring a perfect finish on any project:                   "If you don't bleed on the project, it won't turn out great." The above Cell Phone Picture was a result of catching my elbow on the corner of the grill. I'm on blood thinners so this picture may look like a major hospital visit, but it's only a 2" deep scratch.

Heres a picture of the back of the grille ( ok, how do you spell grill??? grill? or grille??? ,maybe it doesn't matter) This is the lever to hold the back cleanout door in place.

OK, here's the finished product sitting in my truck. A really nice grille. The only problem for my brother is that he'll have to invite me & a lot of friends/family over to enjoy it. I can see it now, here's the secret sauce for cooking chicken just like you get at a Chicken BBQ; 1 qt Wine Vinegar, 1 qt Water, 1/2 lb Butter, and 4 oz, Salt. Mix all that together in a large sauce pan and continually spray or baste the chicken as it cooks. :

This is the custom made monitor bracket.

And the finished product.