Sign post sockets

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Just picked up a small job to provide sign post sockets to Melbourne City Council specs.40 units to start but very good margin for me.  First job ive made good money on. MCC saw my unit as to their own prefered supplier and now want my name and number to supply them direct as they think mine is a better unit and closer to spec.They will take 50 to 100 units at a time.they require all weld to  be done fully to all joins and cuts as their prefered dude has not!base plate is supposed to be 5mm, his is 2mm.mine is only a sample in cold gal but production will be hot gal dip.mine is first pic theirs is second Attached Images
Reply:Never heard of a sign post socket? Show a picture of the whole unit as it will be when in use. Yours does look a lot better than the other guys!Miller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 130 XPLincoln HD 100 Forney C-5bt Arc welderPlasma Cutter Gianteach Cut40ACent Machinery Bandsaw Cent Machinery 16Speed Drill PressChicago Electric 130amp tig/90 ArcHobart 190 Mig spoolgun ready
Reply:Originally Posted by STwelderNever heard of a sign post socket? Show a picture of the whole unit as it will be when in use. Yours does look a lot better than the other guys!
Reply:I would recommend that you have them 'spin' them during the galvanizing process.  You wont get as much crud hanging off on corners.  I think it's only a few cents more per pound to do it.Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:Originally Posted by LarryOThe socket is set in concrete in the ground and a gib key is used to jam the post.  This allows for easy removal of sign posts for update parking signs etc.The picture of mine has a short piece of sign post in their with the gib key loosly fitted.and thanks.the top will be flush to the ground
Reply:It's cause we're all THIEVES over here"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:i think the story goes....Someone removed the post one day and someone forgot to put something around or on the stub.   Then a little old lady came and triped over.  Council had to pay a lot of money to poor little old lady.   So now they prefer them flush and just replace any missing signs.
Reply:so what locks them in? just hammering it so it wedges really tight?
Reply:Originally Posted by vandacootso what locks them in? just hammering it so it wedges really tight?
Reply:looks just like a wedge to me
Reply:vandacoot,               A gib key is  originally a precision wedge with a protruding head on the taper side, don't think they are used so much now but were the method for fixing gears,pulleys couplings etc to shafts.with a keyway in both shaft and mating part, Gib keys were fitted using engineers marking blue or red-lead paste to show up any high spots, when about 90% contact was reached the key would be driven in for the final time, for removal we used folding wedges  or a tapered banana shaped drift.
Reply:Originally Posted by gordon stephensonvandacoot,               A gib key is  originally a precision wedge with a protruding head on the taper side, don't think they are used so much now but were the method for fixing gears,pulleys couplings etc to shafts.with a keyway in both shaft and mating part, Gib keys were fitted using engineers marking blue or red-lead paste to show up any high spots, when about 90% contact was reached the key would be driven in for the final time, for removal we used folding wedges  or a tapered banana shaped drift.
Reply:Did my first run of 50 units.  Now awaiting payment.Hope to make some money back from all the equipment in the garage.  Forgot to take pics before hot galvanizing, but here are some from after Attached Images
Reply:i thought u were gunna fully weld the bottom, came up good mate, are they gunna request anymore?
Reply:I re-looked at the design drawings and the bottom plate only requires 4 stich welds.The relief for the key is fully welded unlike competitor.Thanks vandercoot.
Reply:Got a request today for another 40 units.    Hope the orders keep coming
Reply:its a nice job
Reply:Full seal welds are often required on galvanized products.  If the customer does not specify then it is his loss.  The zinc will not flow into cracks.  As a result and close joints or cracks will eventually rust and the stain will bleed out.    Properly done galvanized material should last over 50 years in the weather.  Nice little contract.
Reply:Nice job. Looks simple and easy. I'll have to keep that idea in mind for customers that want a removeable gate/ fence post for rear yard access. Usually we just live with the post snug in a plain socket.
Reply:Later today i will scan and post the specs and drawings.They also use similar tubes with smaller diamiter to mount street funiture like seats and bins also.  Actualy the bins take a bigger socket.
Reply:Some pics of what they are used for.Real world view.The seat i dont make. Attached Images
Reply:and more... Attached Images
Reply:are the wedges easy to remove?
Reply:They wont just come out with a screwdriver.  They need some WD-40, a wrecking bar and a hammer.I does make it easier for the council to replace something if they get damaged.
Reply:These are the MCC specs on the post sockets.They are readly available from MCC so im not afraid to post and loose business.As you can see, there are only 4 stich welds to base plate. Attached Images