"mortar tube" stick electrode holder

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Came up with a little something for holding stick electrodes while welding.  I have to give inspirational credit to member "ifallswelder".  It's basically a floor/bench version of of the hanging holder seen in this post:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=232421#10I went through a few different designs (on paper/computer) of how to support the open end of the tube and hold it up at a 45-degree angle.  This one is surprisingly strong due to the nice joints that result where the U-channel (actually two angles welded together) meets the tube (1.5"-long joints) and where the U-channel meets the horizontal piece of angle iron (2"-long joints).Here's the order I did things in after getting all the pieces cut/prepped:1)  Weld two 1.5"-long pieces of angle together to make U-channel.2)  Weld horizontal piece of angle iron (8" long) to bottom of U-channel.3)  Weld legs onto horizontal piece (just round 4.914" length up to 4 and 5/16").4)  Weld end cap on tube (2" EMT is 0.065" wall).5)  Mark OD of tube 1" from open end.  Cradle tube in U-channel and align mark with upper end of U-channel.  Weld tube to U-channel.  Be careful with the thin walls of the tube - bead can sag into ID of tube if you get things too hot.  I also located the weld seam in the tube opposite the U-channel so that electrodes wouldn't be rubbing on it.That's about it.  Drawing attached in case anyone else wants to make one.  Waiting for it not to be so dang cold outside so I can try it out for real.   Attached Images Attached Imagesmortar_tube_electrode_holder.pdf (25.2 KB, 87 views)Last edited by dbotos; 01-25-2013 at 12:01 AM.
Reply:Hey, this would make a good arrow holder for the archery range.  Thanks for the idea!!
Reply:Drop in an M-80 and quickly stuff in a tennis ball!
Reply:Originally Posted by deerhuntreHey, this would make a good arrow holder for the archery range.  Thanks for the idea!!
Reply:DSW, those you linked make great fishing rod holders when you aren't at the archery range....