I'm still practicing with the tig, plan to buy a torch soon and try my hand at that as well before I try the first bike. As for practicing I'm getting tired of filing my joints just for practicing. I was thinking of getting a tube notcher but I'm guessing the cheap ones aren't too high quality, but the expensive ones cost close to what a mill would run. Anyone using one they like that won't break the bank? If you use the a notcher do you just notch with a little extra room to spare and then still hand file the rest of the way? Thanks for your help. Al.