[Zeke]

Sherwood, this was my first attempt on a shifter rod. I think if I had to do this again, I would insist that the rod be removed form the housing. Still, my MIG that I have countless hours using on sheet metal was no match for the lever. I have welded some fairly stout pieces before with the machine cranked up. As I said, I'm now a student of welding (currently earning an A+) and hope to come away with a fuller understanding of what I'm doing rather than sticking two pieces together. I still submit that the metal on these two parts is dissimilar in some way or it would have behaved better. IM(uneducated)O, of course.

I welcome additional comments on this. BTW, TIG is next on my syllabus and I intend to buy a TIG machine early next year.