My first project....took way longer than expected..

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I got some old bed frames from a friend so I decided to make a bike rack. This project was a huge learning curve for me. Here's the pieces welded together.Here's a crappy shot of my weld. Sorry for the blurriness.Here's the bike rack after paint stripper. And btw, if you've never used paint stripper don't get that stuff on your skin. ouch!I learned what not to do with my next project like welding or cutting on painted surfaces. Won't do that again. Also, I now know to at least make a sketch before diving head first into a project. Had fun though and you gotta love angle grinders!
Reply:Here's the final product.
Reply:Good idea. What part took longer than expected, prep work / cutting / welding? It's a lot like anything else....the more you do, the better you get!If you don't want to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them.
Reply:not bad for a first project..  You'll be building all kinds of things before long.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Originally Posted by TxWelder99Here's the final product.
Reply:What took so long was a couple things. First, I had to buy a grinder(dewalt 4.5") and learn to use it. Then, having to change from a grinder attach to a cutter to a flap disk to a while. I'll have to get a couple more. Mostly the brackets took the longest. Once I welded up the four brackets, which took a while I realized it wouldn't work. So, I had to cut and grind and make new ones. It was a big headache. So that's what took so long. Next time I'll plan better. Plus the Texas heat had me moving slow. lol.
Reply:I was thinking of using some kind of foam and duct tape. Now the most appealing way but functional.
Reply:What about using some leather from and old pair of work gloves or boots? Oh yea, cool rack!
Reply:I might try that. Just need to find a pair of old boots. Old belt leather may work. Thanks for the advice.
Reply:Now that we're spitting out ideas, cut the cups off and weld a bolt to them. Then weld a nut onto the end of the arm and you'll be able to angle the padded cups for different frame configurations.If you don't want to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them.
Reply:Besides a few little details which will go down in the experience department, It's a beautiful job and you should be proud.Old horsebarn for a shopBig scrap pile out backMiller Syncro200Lifelong collection of toolsBunch of other crapUnderstanding wifeUnderstanding neighbors
Reply:Good design, you did good for your first project. If you buy any more grinders, buy the Makita,4 1/2" from thr Depot. Really cheap and they last forever.
Reply:Look at the craft section at Walmart, they have the peel and stick foam in sheets for about a buck.
Reply:Great project!  Your portable design is an inspiration, too!  I need to rack two bicycles and the wall hooks I now have are a PITA.   I need to move things around - easily. You didn't patent this design, I hope!  (Imitation is the most sincere for of flatery.)  -MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:NO patent here. I actually ripped off the idea from a bike rack I saw on ebay but I changed the base. I wish I would have thought of welding a bolt and nut to the hangers to make them adjustable. Good idea!
Reply:cool idea well executed
Reply:Cool idea to get the bikes out of the way. Good project.