So I posted a while ago about how I bought 1 of the cast oil tanks that effron was selling on eBay. Paid 225 shipped.. Spent a little time today on it.. Was really just using the tank for my drawings for laser cutting of my much lighter weight fabricated tanks..

So I was in class teaching a TIG class today and my students assignment was to weld on cast aluminum. Brought in the tank as I plan to just use it on my engine test stand now as all the drawings are done so weld quality was not of the utmost importance.. He did fairly well and I worked with him on some fab techniques..


Now a disclaimer no I don't have them work on my products I sell as I have 2 guys that work for me ..the students work on real world welding and fab projects so they are not so green when they hit the workforce they can't weld/fab out of a wet paperbag.. Thought you would enjoy.Click to view attachment

Wow didn't realize how thick the alloy tanks are,they must be fairly heavy?

I will have to weigh it up but I would say it's at the very least twice as heavy as the tanks I fabricate..

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Here it is completed..welded Ok but the things is heavy

As I'm a big fan of Mike Rowe, I love the fact that you're teaching students a valuable skill. As shop programs are disappearing around the country, it's important to continue with such education.

I assume the cast tank is an old, unfinished Vellios tank. He was an interesting fellow that made a lot of interesting parts back in the day.

Yes you are correct.. This one will be destined for my test stand..