So I'm thinking "ATTEMPTING" to make my own picket twister...How can I make a square 1/2" hole in steel and make it fit snugly?Oi... seems like it should be so easy.......
Reply:Im not sure what a picket twister is but if it doesnt have to be real accurate you should be able to use a torch and a file to get it right.
Reply:This may be more than you want to do,,, [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uksrGNS0IEA[/ame]Maybe a plasma cutter or drill four holes and connect with a sawzall? How thick is the metal?Good luck on your project.
Reply:Strange thought just struck me...How about a 1/2 drive impact socket? You can cut it down to where it's a short cylinder shape with just the square hole. Then you just cut a round hole in the handle (that doesn't need to be perfect) and weld the socket into that.
Reply:drill a 1/2" hole in the piece you are using, then take a piece of 1/2" key stock grind a taper on one end. Take the piece you drilled the hole in and heat it until it is orange, and then drive the tapered piece of keystock thru the hole. I have done this at times when I needed a place for a carriage bolt in a part. a 1/2" drive impact socket isn't a bad Idea either.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Originally Posted by Hammack_Weldingdrill a 1/2" hole in the piece you are using, then take a piece of 1/2" key stock grind a taper on one end. Take the piece you drilled the hole in and heat it until it is orange, and then drive the tapered piece of keystock thru the hole. I have done this at times when I needed a place for a carriage bolt in a part. a 1/2" drive impact socket isn't a bad Idea either.
Reply:The sockets a good idea, if not, most fab shops will have a square punch 9/16 x 9/16. Or do like I, a piece of 3/4 x 3/4 tubing, has inside dim. of about 9/16. The only problem I see with usin' a socket or tubing is; If you want to twist the picket from a mid-point, like too make the upper half right-hand-twist and the bottom left-hand-twist. I had apiece of 3/8 plate "punched' for those.Don't let that iron in your lungs, turn to lead in your @$$!!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by JeffBStrange thought just struck me...How about a 1/2 drive impact socket? You can cut it down to where it's a short cylinder shape with just the square hole. Then you just cut a round hole in the handle (that doesn't need to be perfect) and weld the socket into that.
Reply:HF or Cummings Tools sell a cheap set of adapter sockets from 1"x 3/4" down this would do the trick as name brands sell one socket for about 4 times what this kit sells for.
Reply:Good question and good answers. I like the socket idea. The fab shop near me can punch a 1/2 hole in a 1/2 plate
Reply:There are three easy ways to get what you want. for the twisting mechanism I suggest a socket as already mentioned. It is just too easy to do to consider other options. You want the piece to be able to pass all the way through. That way you can adjust where the twist is.For the opposite end a socket will work as well. However if you use thick steel and build a box that attaches to the holding table or wherever it is attached works well also. Make it a bit larger than 1/2", not much but the twisted end can get stuck.In the example above where you may want to possibly twist in opposite directions, build a box without a top so you can just drop your piece in where you want it.
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rill holeFile SquareEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:My picket twister is as JeffB described. One place where the import cheap fitting sockets come in handy. You might need to fill it out a little especially after welding. The scale on hot rolled stuff can interfere with fit as well as weld/cooling shrinkage. It is nice to make sure the bar can slide through the handle for a more versitile picket twister. Otherwise you always have to twist the entire picket everytime..
Reply:I vote for the key way idea. Very cool! And if you get bored one day, you could make a whole set of those things to keep for the future.
Reply:I cant believe on a welding forum nobody said weld a square hole??? WTF??? 4 strips overlapping and you have a square hole 360 and you have a round hole???Think Lincoln Logs
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ike this one...Bob Attached ImagesBob WrightSalem, Ohio Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:Hey Bob,Looks like you twist flat bar also.I have a similar setup but mine is horizontal and mounted on a 35 ft I beam. I twist full sticks at a time.
Reply:I can twist 20 footers. Mine is on my second floor and the rest hangs thru the floor...BobBob WrightSalem, Ohio Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:Originally Posted by aametalmasterI can twist 20 footers. Mine is on my second floor and the rest hangs thru the floor...Bob
