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Steel
For this project the main structure of the base
And platform is constructed from 16GA(.063)Square Tube. Its important when
selecting steel that it be straight and consistent in tone and appearance.
Steel always surprises me when it comes to costs. We recently received roughly
400 feet of 20 foot lengths of square tubing, delivered for about 189.00. Sheet
metal, however, can often cost much more for a similar weight in materials. The
only real tip here is don't accept materials that are obviously rusted and
weathered if it can be helped. We all saw what happened to the tin man when he
was left out in the rain.... spontaneous human in a stupid costume combustion!
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Cutting the steel
When it comes to cutting steel, and making nice square projects without alot of
fill welding it really helps to have the right tools. Luckily we have access to
a nice gravity fed band saw. Now while a cheap Jig saw from S-mart or
Mega-lo-mart would suffice, there is much more precision with a unit like this.
I have been able to find some basic models from about $200.00. Well worth the
cost if you plan on much fabrication work. Especially when you are able to cut
4 pieces all the same length at the same time. Just don't sit in or walk bare
foot on the pile of filings it makes....
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Welder
When it comes to welders there are several options out there. Stick welders
start at about $100.00 for a basic light duty unit. For about $200.00 you can
get a basic entry level flux core mig welder. The preferred option is the mig
welder. Mig welders are wire fed and alot easier for those just learning.
Although if you want to do high power experiments like making buckyballs and
doing some basic welding then a basic stick welder may be a better choice.
Whatever method you choose, always use a nice welding helmet the appropriate
shade for the work you are doing.
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The Base Fabrication
Fabrication of the base is really straight forward. Simply weld the base box,
followed by the uprights, and finally the cross bracing. It's really important
that the welds holding each piece together are strong and well bonded, else you
end up with a project looking alot like some incremental Linux kernel builds
when they break.
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The Platform Fabrication
As you can see from the picture the actual platform is really simple to build.
This is nothing more than a box with a cross member off center. We aligned the
cross member with the mounting bolts on the racing seat we chose. You may want
to do the same so you have a good hard point to mount the seat to.
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Platform
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Base
2 X 50"
1 X 48"
2 X 36"
4 X 12"
4 X 14" (45 degree cuts) |
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help
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