I am building an engine test stand and have NO welder, or cutting torch yet. I need to build something that will accomodate all of my testing needs,now and in the future. I have pics of what I have so far and need anyone who has built, worked on,worked with, and uses these on a normal basis. If you have any pics Please feel free to share them I need all the ideas I can get.

All is appreciated, Thanks


Here is what I started with,
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/Random%20Pics/01010058.jpg

And what I have built so far with a drill and a hacksaw,
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/Random%20Pics/EngineTestStandProgress17-11-06020.jpg

The rest of it and my basic layout,
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/Random%20Pics/EngineTestStandProgress17-11-06021.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/Random%20Pics/EngineTestStandProgress17-11-06022.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/Random%20Pics/EngineTestStandProgress17-11-06024.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/Random%20Pics/EngineTestStandProgress17-11-06019.jpg

We've used test stands before, many junkyard use them, there not hard to make and if you do a nice neat job of it might even have some resale value. As far as building one without using a welder, I'm sure it can be done but I wouldn't recommended it. For one thing these stands take a lot of stress and vibrating. Then there is just the massive amount of time you can save welding this together. I sure someone here can tell you a good place to find a cheap home mig welder and most people can learn to use these in a very short time. Plus I'm sure you'll find this a tool more value then the test stand will be.
Mike

All of the rack itself (The Blue Parts) are welded together. The only thing that I can see will need welded is the arms for the clamshell mounts. Between that and getting the right size wire and a button that will hold up the amps to crank it over or bump it if I need to. I have a button, but I don't think it can handle it. I'm assuming 10 gauge wire will work?

The constant hot I have got no prob, as well as the obvious pos. to the starter and neg. to the block and frame. Anything I am forgetting?

I do plan on running two Air/Fuel gauges for carb tuning also, and Oil Press, Water Temp, Fuel Pressure and Vacuum gauges. As this is my first, I want to get all I need before I need it and don't have it.