Steve I've had lathes and mills for decades and the past few years, I've lost track of how many; maybe four years, since I sold my shop, at any rate I've done without machine tools and that includes TIG and MIG welders. Though I get by on my 220v. flux wire feeder I miss my TIG more than I did the lathe. My eye health has improved to a great extent & with a lot of optical correction I can see well enough to weld a little on steel, but I doubt I cold pick up the puddle welding aluminum with a TIG. I may ask to try my luck at the local welding shop and try to TIG some aluminum. I know I can see to run steel. If I can't see what I'm doing I'll just buy TIG for steel....save a lot of $$ in the process, but I'm hoping I can see well enough to get a good pulse-.square wave ac/ dc TIG.
My friend who does aircraft part refurbishments recently commented on the extremely long waits for his parts orders to arrive and that he's greatly increased the size of his orders to build stock up. His business is really booming with private plane owners who can't get the time of day let aone parts from the manufacturer. They want to sell new planes and refurbishment of thirty or forty year old aircraft is beneath their marketing goals.
The cost of metal has really gone up so I've been ordering some stock. I've got the metal cut out for one almost full scale V- twin electrc and also for a large scale single. My goal for both of these is to fit in frames without a lot of alteration to the frame. I want the single to fit a diamond frame like the early bikes and if you recall I have a really handsome "Camel back" fuel tank I'd be pround to fit on her.I know it sounds a lot like work but with more tools I can speed things along a bit!
I've spent most of today working out a deal for motors and controllers in quantity. Ten of each seems to be where I'm stuck on small quantity, but it's a significant saving over one or two units. My Son wants several and at least three of those mounted on frames and I've got at least three bikes to do for myself so ten motors will go pretty quickly. These are 5hp motors at 36 v. but the kid motors are about two hp @ 36 volts. I'll not worry about using up the motors and controllers....
I'm hoping your health will improve with warmer weather and that it's a lot dryer there this year, but I know that part is doubtful. You 've got a lot of work lined up yourself.
Rick C.