Basket Maker

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I used a busted up harbor freight pipe notcher that was taking up dust, and modified, and brought it back to life as a basket maker.  This took me about 3 hours, which is one more hour than it should of took me, but alcohol was involved! by the way, forgive the crude barbarian handle, I was eager to try her out, but didnt have nothing heavy duty enough so I did what any welder would of done, and grabbed the heaviest piece of metal I could find, and welded it on! Well here you go.
Reply:That's cool looking.  I had no idea that twisted metal bulging decoration was called a basket.  Good creative effort!Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma
Reply:Nice. Great job repurposing that  notcher.   Is the handle that welded sheet metal.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderNice. Great job repurposing that  notcher.   Is the handle that welded sheet metal.
Reply:Thanks allot guys!  I enjoy this stuff.
Reply:Right on.  I didn't even know how those things were made, til now.  Thanks!-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:So you take 4 bars and twist them together and then untwist them a bit?
Reply:That's neat...i like itBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTSo you take 4 bars and twist them together and then untwist them a bit?
Reply:Not bad bro, but not to be a buzzkill but it looks really crooked, and the ends are not square. Did you do this cold? Try some heat, and blow that center out a little more. I know there a pain in the butt with the 1/2bar, trust me. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeNot bad bro, but not to be a buzzkill but it looks really crooked, and the ends are not square. Did you do this cold? Try some heat, and blow that center out a little more. I know there a pain in the butt with the 1/2bar, trust me.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeNot bad bro, but not to be a buzzkill but it looks really crooked, and the ends are not square.
Reply:Originally Posted by usmcruzYeah I did it cold, and it took some force.  You supposed to turn these things heated?  I can see how they would be allot easier to make preheated.  As for that first basket, I turned it, then turned it back to see if it was ready to open, then turned it the other way, etc...  It was just a test run, but I will heat up the next one tonight, and post my results.  By the way, your not being a buzz kill, I welcome constructive criticism.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauThose are 1/4" square rods aren't they, not 1/2"? Those look like 1/2" drive socket extensions.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauHe did say ALCOHOL was involved, so go easy, considering the circumstances, it turned out pretty decent. Looks like several folks learned something already, including myself. That was obviously just the first test run, so the next run ought to be better with a reduction in the ALCOHOL, maybe maybe not. Those are 1/4" square rods aren't they, not 1/2"? Those look like 1/2" drive socket extensions.
Reply:The baskets are generally done cold so with out heat, I have 2 basket makers that perform the same function.  The baskets are neat to use for a wide variety of items.  the tools that are made to perform the function usually have long handles that allow for more leverage eliminating the need for heat.  If there are to many twist's applied the metal will collapes in on itself, I found that out the hard way.Ron
Reply:Yeah Ron, they can be done cold on the smaller stuff, I thought those were 1/2 bar. Once you get into making them on the larger side the heat definatley helps. Still gotta finish this one, gonna be a coat rack made all the pieces just gotta finish. 1in square.  Attached ImagesI hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:About how many turns of the handle do you guys do.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeYeah Ron, they can be done cold on the smaller stuff, I thought those were 1/2 bar. Once you get into making them on the larger side the heat definatley helps. Still gotta finish this one, gonna be a coat rack made all the pieces just gotta finish. 1in square.
Reply:Neat stuff!  I like the use of the extension!
Reply:for the heavy stuff yes some heat would help, as to how many turns I havent counted and I just did one about a week ago but it would be one to one and a half, the of cours you have to back it up to open the bars to form the basket.  the last one I didnt weld either when I was done with twisting them I took them apart to use each as a single leg on a toiletry try so that the customer could keep all their combs ect in one place.
Reply:I used heat on this one tonight, and hot damn, so much easier.  I also think it turned out better than the first, though its hard to tell from the picture.  Im definately gonna invest in a portable forge.
Reply:I love it I never knew that was how it was done.You must be a bad *** (USMC) or something that seems like it would take a lot of force or leverage.More pictures please I want to make something similarDave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:Originally Posted by ReebsI love it I never knew that was how it was done.You must be a bad *** (USMC) or something that seems like it would take a lot of force or leverage.More pictures please I want to make something similar
Reply:I put a real handle on it.  Its actually the pipe for the jack to my harbor freight pipe bender.  Im definately using heat for now on.That looks like you will get some good leverage with that! Nice work.
Reply:Thank you!  Im thinking of constructing a propane pipe burner forge to heat my pieces.  There selling the same forge burners online for $200+ online, but can be made for $10.
Reply:I saw a video of those being made. They welded the ends together, then put the assembly in a forge type heater and heated the middle of it until red. Then they put it in a chuck type assembly on both ends. Twisted the turns in it and then pushed the turning end back toward the fixed end to spread the basket. They did not reverse and untwist, just pushed the ends back together. I have seen the assembled pickets and did not know how they were done until I saw the video. Those are available in many different shapes from Triple S Steel.See if you can get them to send you a catalog for more ideas on shapes.Last edited by mwshaw; 07-19-2012 at 11:33 AM.Reason: spelling
Reply:Looks great thanks.Something I will have to add to my to do list.Dave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:Originally Posted by mwshawI saw a video of those being made. They welded the ends together, then put the assembly in a forge type heater and heated the middle of it until red. Then they put it in a chuck type assembly on both ends. Twisted the turns in it and then pushed the turning end back toward the fixed end to spread the basket. They did not reverse and untwist, just pushed the ends back together. I have seen the assembled pickets and did not know how they were done until I saw the video. Those are available in many different shapes from Triple S Steel.See if you can get them to send you a catalog for more ideas on shapes.
Reply:Really cool! Yet another thing I have learned and another project to add to my long list. ThanksCheers Andrew
Reply:Originally Posted by FODFAReally cool! Yet another thing I have learned and another project to add to my long list. ThanksCheers Andrew