QUOTE(Redraptor @ May 18 2017, 07:55 PM)
Well...that was very anticlimatic. Application of a large screwdriver to the fork, a little back pressure, the tranny popped off. No muss, no fuss.
Thank you BillC
Glad I could help.
As for welders, I'm going to second porschetub's recommendation to get a name-brand machine. From what I've read online, the Eastwood machine is a very basic welder and kind of a mediocre one at that.
First place to look is craigslist, if you don't mind a used machine. Millers and Lincolns in good shape usually sell for around 75-80% of list, less if older or more worn. If you decide to buy new, the best prices I've seen are at
store.cyberweld.com (no affiliation other than being a satisfied customer).
I took a mig welding class last year, and they had several different mig welders for us to use. The best one they had, from a total-newb, ease-of-use standpoint was a Millermatic 211. Very nice little welder and the auto-set function took care of all the guesswork. If I was in the market for a new welder, I would be looking at one of those. Only real drawback is the price. However, I learned a long time ago that it's cheaper in the long run to buy high-quality tools right from the beginning.
Also, you'll want to get an auto-darkening welding helmet. If you've never used a fixed lens before, you just won't fully appreciate how much nicer the auto-darkening lenses are in comparison. Look for one with a fast reaction time and adjustable darkness settings.