welding advice

Richard tea · 28-01-2013 08:24AM #1

Hello all, im just looking for some general info to get me started. i pick upbthe arc welder in aldi a few months ago and i want to start my first project. Im going to attempt a metal frame for my side entrance.

1. How much roughly is 2x2 box steel per foot?

2. Whats a nice strong basic design for the frame. I intend bolting wood to the metal frame?

Thanks all

ART6 · 28-01-2013 10:36AM

Richard tea wrote: »

Hello all, im just looking for some general info to get me started. i pick upbthe arc welder in aldi a few months ago and i want to start my first project. Im going to attempt a metal frame for my side entrance.

1. How much roughly is 2x2 box steel per foot?

2. Whats a nice strong basic design for the frame. I intend bolting wood to the metal frame?

Thanks all

I assume that this is for a side gate? If so, 2 x 2 hollow section is rather overkill. One inch square would be more than strong enough for even quite a large gate. For example, I built two gates for my house, each six feet wide, using 1 x 1 section. I can stand all of my fifteen stone on them without any deflection!

For the frame, I'd simply make a square of steel with a horizontal centre bar. If it's properly welded it won't easily bend. Don't know what the price of the steel is -- I haven't bought any for a long time, but it generally comes in 7.5 metre lengths, so you won't get it on a car roof rack!

Richard tea · 28-01-2013 10:53AM

ART6 wrote: »

I assume that this is for a side gate? If so, 2 x 2 hollow section is rather overkill. One inch square would be more than strong enough for even quite a large gate. For example, I built two gates for my house, each six feet wide, using 1 x 1 section. I can stand all of my fifteen stone on them without any deflection!

For the frame, I'd simply make a square of steel with a horizontal centre bar. If it's properly welded it won't easily bend. Don't know what the price of the steel is -- I haven't bought any for a long time, but it generally comes in 7.5 metre lengths, so you won't get it on a car roof rack!

Thanks Art6. Thats good news regarding box steel size. Im looking at a 7x6 foot size gate. im unsure if ill go for one gate or do 2 frames totaling 7 foot in length. the horizontal bar seems handy enough. Thanks for the info.

ART6 · 28-01-2013 12:10PM

If the total width to be spanned is 7 feet, then I would be inclined to make up two 3ft. 6 inch wide gates. The reason for that is that a 7 foot by 6 ft. high gate would catch a lot of wind on a windy day, and could be difficult for anyone of lighter weight (like a wife or child) to handle without getting knocked flat! One of the 3ft. 6 inch gates could then normally be secured with a bolt down into the pavement and normally remain closed. A simple gate latch would hold them both closed, and could be fitted with a padlock if you want extra security. That's what I did, anyway!

tommy2bad · 28-01-2013 12:28PM

Last time I bought steel the place I got it cut it to length, charged 1euro per cut but I only needed 3 cuts and it fit to roof rack fine. If you were getting any more cuts it would be worth just getting it cut to carry and doing the rest yourself.

Richard tea · 28-01-2013 01:38PM

Thanks lads. Ill definitely go for the 2 gate option. I already have a side gate but I want another purely to fence off my motorbike and wheel bin for better protection.

Richard tea · 29-01-2013 04:35PM

Just measured the width there. Its 10 foot wide so ill do 5 foot sections. Rang local place which quoted me 15 euro for a 25 foot length section of 1 inch box steel:) Seem very reasonable.

CJhaughey · 30-01-2013 10:04AM

Budget for hot dip galvanising when you have made the frame, that way it'll last.

Richard tea · 30-01-2013 02:12PM

CJhaughey wrote: »

Budget for hot dip galvanising when you have made the frame, that way it'll last.

Thanks CJ. There is a few bits and pieces I have to pick up. I also have to figure out what pivot mechanism ill use and where to put the lock/latch.

welding advice

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