Adelaide Metalworker / Partnership

[Sir Stinkalot]

Hi All,

Unfortunately I do not follow the Metalwork forums as much any more now they have split from the Woodwork forums which is a little sad.

Perhaps a long shot but I am hoping to find a Metalworker in Adelaide who may be interested in teaming up on a number of projects that I have in mind for around home. Its not a freebie thing and I will be happy to pay for time and materials.

I like the combination of steel and timber but unfortunately I am not any good at welding and would be interested in outsourcing the metalwork component for some new furniture that I will be designing for around home. There is nothing particularly difficult - mostly cut and join. Time frames are not critical so there will be no pressure.

The first project is an outdoor dining table frame similar to the image attached but without the lower cross rails and the lower middle rail. Size will be around 900x1800.

366998

Details can be discussed with anybody who is interested. I will be able to provide detailed plans of what is needed. Let me know if this may be of interest.

Cheers

Michael

[DSEL74]

I'd possibly take it on but probably a little far away for ease.

[Sir Stinkalot]

Best offer to date so far!

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi Michael,
I'm at Murray Bridge, if no one else responds a bit closer, if that helps, I come down to town occasionally, so I can drop in if required. Reasonably busy at the moment with a few rush jobs though.
Regards
Kryn

[Harry72]

Trouble is you need someone who's close enough for pick up/delivery... postage on something that size would be cost prohibitive, it would be at least $200 from here(just over 200ks away).
KB might be your best bet :)
Even for someone like me to bring it too you on my ute would be a good $100 in juice and a days worth of time... And Adelaide drivers:oo:
have you priced out the steel, a quick estimation puts you at about 9M of tubing depending on where you get it from you may need to buy two 6.2m lengths if they wont allow for unpaid offcuts/drops.
At Blackwoods its $13.40/per m for 3mm and $16.15/per m for 5mm x 50mm square or $16.80~23.10 for 75mm square... but its all in 8m lengths

[Gavin Newman]

Are you talking stainless, mild or galvanised steel, what sizes and thicknesses did you have in mind?
Hardest part will be ensuring the weld sequence doesn't pull the legs out of plumb given the lack of bracing.

[Sir Stinkalot]

Thanks for the replies and interest. Well I have had a bit of a play around with Sketchup (first attempt) and have come up with the following:

367002367003367004367005367006

A quick takeoff reveals the following:
50x50x1.6 SHS
4x 650 + 2x 945 = 4.49m

50x50x3 EA
2x 1875 = 3.75m

50x20x1.6 RHS
4x 936 = 3.75m

The 1.6 may be a little light on and may need to be bumped up a little.

The table will be undercover so whilst I should be using gal I think I will be able to get away with mild. In an ideal world it would be powder coated but for a one off project it would be difficult to achieve and with the kids I like the idea of a paint finish I can touch up if needed. Don't worry it will be black - the white in the sketchup model is just to make it easier to see.

Distance is always going to be my downfall ..... my little hatchback can take some good lengths but cant handle anything large or tow a trailer. I could always have a go myself. The last one I made lasted a good number of years but wasn't the finest example of metalwork. I think this one needs to be much cleaner.

[Harry72]

One thing your going to find is 1.6mm has a very small/tight corner radius(about 2~3mm radius) the 3mm material is bigger (about 7mm radius)... 5mm is like a 12mm radius(at a guess...)
So when used next to each other it stands out, using the heavier section for the upper stretchers is a good idea for strength but for ascetics keeping the same corner radius is much better... you could always push them inwards so you can see them :)

[Sir Stinkalot]

I have tweeked the design a little and changed the 50x50 legs to 50x75 ... perhaps only a minor alteration but I think it looks more balanced.

367013

The radius is something to consider. It will only be an issue where the 50x50EA abuts the 50x75RHS on the side. As it will be painted is it possible to run a bead of weld to fill the gap and then grind it flat?

What degree of distortion could be expected Gavin? Is it likely that the legs are going to want to pull inwards on themselves?

Cheers

Michael

[KBs PensNmore]

Distortion would depend on the amount of heat that is put in to the weld. if a small fillet was used, then it would be minimal, which could be offset by the setting up.
Is there a reason that you've used 75 across the top instead of the 50? Looks to be heavy on the end but light across the side view.
Kryn

[Sir Stinkalot]

Looks to be heavy on the end but light across the side view.

Exactly:)

I felt that the 50x50 looked a little like the generic school table/desk (although they were probably 30x30). The heavier sections on the end will accentuate the end frames making the tiled section in the middle appear lighter.

[Oldneweng]

Exactly:)

I felt that the 50x50 looked a little like the generic school table/desk (although they were probably 30x30). The heavier sections on the end will accentuate the end frames making the tiled section in the middle appear lighter.

I have the type of table/desk that can be joined together to create a hexagon. It has 25 x 25 tubing.

I can see what you mean about the middle looking lighter, but to my eye it does not look right. It is just a matter of opinion tho.

Dean

[Gavin Newman]

What degree of distortion could be expected Gavin? Is it likely that the legs are going to want to pull inwards on themselves?

To some extent, yes. The amount depends on the section of the steel and the amount of heat and weld metal applied. With the correct joint it may not be necessary to weld in the fillet or, if it is necessary we could use TIG and lay down a small weld with minimal heat input.

I'm happy to get involved if that helps you. I'm still at the same location I was when we did your engine crane repairs some time ago.

Rgds - Gavin

[Sir Stinkalot]

Sorry .... the auto notification seems to have stopped working for some reason.

Gavin I would be keen to team up again if you have the time. I was thinking about the engine crane the other day when looking through some photos of the tree removal it was commissioned for. Your welds certainly held up and managed to get the job done which was a huge relief. The rest of the frame finally became too warped to do much with, but I did manage to recycle a few parts which have been very useful.

I would be happy to source and supply the materials. If you could please PM me a cost for the final measuring, cutting and welding etc, it would be appreciated. As mentioned it is not time critical as I have so many other projects that need to be done so happy to work into your schedule.

Cheers

Michael

[Gavin Newman]

Michael,

No cost involved.
I'll PM you.

[Sir Stinkalot]

I'm pleased to say that I am heading off to see Gavin (again) on Saturday to get started on the outdoor table frame. Looking forward to getting it off the ground and having it ready for the warmer weather.

368845368846368847368848368849368850

[Harry72]

Awesome cant wait to see the results:2tsup: