Anybody built their own Cope boat?

[NDT]

I've wondered about the pp200, but wondered if if would have the amps / duty cycle for a serious boat build. Did you look into the miller 255 at all? It does pulse, and I've been happy with my miller machines in the past. I thought about everlast, but not sure about the quality/lifespan...

If the whole boat was 1/4”, I would have opted for a larger welder. My design is 3/16” bottom and sides. All the structure is 3/16” as well. Sides are designed at 1/8”, but opted for thicker side to help with distortion and when I come into the dock/trailer to hot.
I’ve had the PP200 for about 16 months now. Done some continuous welding 3/16” with 5356 wire, only hit the duty cycle max once. Welding with 5356 is a whole other animal compared to 4043. for a machine to use on evenings and weekends, it’s great, but I wouldn’t use it for continuous daily use. I looked at the ever last, but had the same concerns.
I do like Miller, have 2 of them at work, great reliability and last forever it seems.
I’ll looking into the 255 closely, I have 2 in-laws that want 16’ centre consoles.
You can never have to many tools, welders included haha, just don’t tell my wife!!

 

[Rain City]

If the whole boat was 1/4”, I would have opted for a larger welder. My design is 3/16” bottom and sides. All the structure is 3/16” as well. Sides are designed at 1/8”, but opted for thicker side to help with distortion and when I come into the dock/trailer to hot.
I’ve had the PP200 for about 16 months now. Done some continuous welding 3/16” with 5356 wire, only hit the duty cycle max once. Welding with 5356 is a whole other animal compared to 4043. for a machine to use on evenings and weekends, it’s great, but I wouldn’t use it for continuous daily use. I looked at the ever last, but had the same concerns.
I do like Miller, have 2 of them at work, great reliability and last forever it seems.
I’ll looking into the 255 closely, I have 2 in-laws that want 16’ centre consoles.
You can never have to many tools, welders included haha, just don’t tell my wife!!

Man I find any excuse possible to buy tools. I had to drill some 1-1/2" holes in a structural beam at a site so instead of renting something or just taking my time with a good hole saw and drill I ended up with a $1500 mag drill. Haven't used it since but man does the big box look good next to the equally dusty portaband.

PS milwaukee mag drill and portaband for rent...

 

[macro]

Man I find any excuse possible to buy tools. I had to drill some 1-1/2" holes in a structural beam at a site so instead of renting something or just taking my time with a good hole saw and drill I ended up with a $1500 mag drill. Haven't used it since but man does the big box look good next to the equally dusty portaband.

PS milwaukee mag drill and portaband for rent...

Turn the mag drill into a minature drill press. I turned my portaband into a small mitre saw.

.....
I need a bigger garage.

 

[Rain City]

Turn the mag drill into a minature drill press. I turned my portaband into a small mitre saw.

.....
I need a bigger garage.

The plan was to build a base for the portaband. Never happened. I think they're all buried behind two fryers and a pile of broken dreams.

 

[bentley]

Bentley, on this site built a smaller cope last year, there is a thread some where here

Yes i finished the 14' bay skiff last spring, great little boat for ripping around in. It was all made from 1/8" so it was a little tricky to weld up and keep the distortion under control.
I had the miller XMT 350 for a power source and the push pull feeder set up. When I do another one, it will be in the 18' -21' range and thicker material, all in all it was a fun little project and gets lots of use!!!!!

 

[NDT]

Yes i finished the 14' bay skiff last spring, great little boat for ripping around in. It was all made from 1/8" so it was a little tricky to weld up and keep the distortion under control.
I had the miller XMT 350 for a power source and the push pull feeder set up. When I do another one, it will be in the 18' -21' range and thicker material, all in all it was a fun little project and gets lots of use!!!!!
View attachment 51109

Looks great!