When I started at my latest job, I spied a MIG welder all apart and under the work table. Nobody knew how to fix it or use it. I had it running the same day and much of the problem was from a bad gun which was replaced a few weeks later.

Before I came, any broken part was thrown out and replaced from, sometimes Germany, since it's all German equipment. Not much of a consolation in a 24/7 operation when you need a part today. Minimum cost for parts starts at several hundred to thousands of dollars.

In this case, a welder is a lifesaver.

And I built a plasma cutter out of Momma's
old sewing machine. SO THERE!!!

Some welding is the way to go and a true lifesaver. Half of the needs that come in my home's garage are lightweight metals that have stress cracks or rott. Lots of wrought Iron work and minor machinery cracks. I use my welders when needed. Otherwise, I like to show them there are options to welding. A good example: The cheap wrought iron fence panels that were wire welded and breaks the first time the mower or etc hits a picket. I get a call to re-weld it miles away. Knowing the fence and its quality, I take some self-taping screws. On a heavier needs away from my garage I will usually explore bolting or pass on helping.

Please give a summary of using a sewing machine to build a plasma cutter or share good links. My wife has more family machines than she can use due to the younger generation not being interested in sewing. I would be interested in using one vs donating most of them.

I didn't really build a plasma cutter out of Momma's
sewing machine. I was just funnin with ya, cause
it seemed that this thread was turning into a
'bragathon'.