I don't know what it is about welding two pieces of metal together. Its so damn satisfying and fun! I bought the HF O/A torch set for my XL fuselage build and probably spent a couple weeks and a tank each of oxygen and acetylene practicing controlling the flame/puddle and eventually got it. It took weeks of practicing everyday though before starting on the fuse. Now I can pick up the torch after months of non-use and its just like "riding a bike" again. My welds aren't pretty, but they are strong and no burn throughs. I think if I do it again I will buy the meco midget torch only because I think the smaller flame would be more manageable for aircraft thin wall tubing. The HF kit worked fine and I use it often around the shop at work. I did buy an even smaller tip though, #00, which I tend to use for everything now.
Again, welding is so enjoyable I just bought an AHP Alpha Tig 201XD (my 4th welder) and again, I've already burned up a tank of Argon and countless Tungsten rods practicing welding thin aluminum. Tig is a WHOLE other animal but I'm just beginning to get the hang of it. Still working on "stacking dimes" though. Practice, practice, practice. My first project with thin wall aluminum will be a carb heat box for my Zenith.
