A Simple Hinge

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This is the landing gear for my back blade.  It's designed to swing free, gravity will pull it to vertical, and the blade simply has to be lowered.  Once the teeth are dug into the ground the implement isn't going backwards/forwards so there is no need for a locking pin.  If anything, a locking pin could lead to damage as the implement is pushed around to hook it up.  It's better if the landing gear has give in it.The metal is cut to length, and the holes drilled for the pins.  An annular cutter does a better job than a bit because it will hold center after it pierces the first side of the tubing.  Drill bits tend to walk on the second cut, and the holes will not line up properly.After holes are, the pins are tacked to the blade frame.  There are two ways to do this.  One would be to use a long piece of 3/4 stock and weld the entire length to both sides, or as I've done it.  Use a piece of tubing to index the shorter pieces.  This way eliminates having to cut the long piece off, and waste it unless you have a use for it.Using a long piece is more accurate, but this application doesn't justify it.  Besides, the holes were drilled 13/16 to accomodate any variations.Once the pins are attached, the drilled pieces are hung on the pins, the crossmember clamped to the drilled pieces, and tacked.  Doing it this way eliminates any problems should the holes be slightly off, or the pieces cut slightly off.  I also like to leave the full tack weld in place and weld over it in this kind of situation.  I don't want the pin to move, so I don't grind it down and possibly reduce the strength of the tack.  I can live with the bump when it's finish welded.  It's better than the pin taking a walk on you.Flat butt joints were welded flat  And the fillets were done with the landing gear in the upright position to give access to the joints.A length of the joint was left unwelded to drain water.  This isn't capped, and will collect water, so ya need a way to drain it.As I'm gaining more confidence in out of position welding, I'm finding that I'm saving untold amounts of time.  No need to constantly position stuff to weld it.And I'm still  about the AD hood.  Makes tacking a breeze  (And it's just plain spiffy) Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Detail of unwelded corner for drainage, And a pretty decent overhead fillet.  It sorta grows on ya with timeAnd a good example of proper penetration Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Yep that'd be proper penetration. Good lookin' stuff.Ranger 250 GXTSmith Gas Axe
Reply:Great thread, farmersamm.Like you, I recently switched to an AD, and it's one of those "how did I ever get along without it" gadgets.
Reply:Great advice on fit up/design.... but I'm not sure what a landing for a back blade is.... any chance you could post a pic of how this all comes together?