Pier stands

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Hey guys,I've been asked to build some Pier stands (basically hold up a lake dock).  I've got a picture of a pair which look pretty awful to me,  I'd like to do them using square tubing for pretty well everything except the base(angle). Steel seems to be the only option right now based on pricing and the fact that i dont have a spool gun setup.  I want to build this as inexpensively as possible.  What materials and design would you guys suggest to keep the cost down? Attached Images
Reply:You'll have to show them installed (having a hard time picturing it)The Lord has declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"  Moses 1:39Link: My name is John, and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.-- ColdCreekWorks.com --
Reply:That design and material is about as cheap as yer gonna find.Most likely whoever built those was on the same budget and what else, design wise, do you need?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:If you must use steel then I'd suggest not using tubbing. It will be very hard to prevent rust. Build it out of all angle and have it powder coated. Even then, if it's setting in the water, its eventually going to rust.
Reply:I suspect that the legs telescope to adjust for depth -- hard to do with angle-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Definitely steel.  I would galvanize it.  Look for metal platers in your region.  Around here, Metalplate out of Jacksonville runs a truck that will pick up and deliver your parts.  Last time I checked it was .35 per pound of structure to do it.  Galvanizing is way better than paint or any other coating for submerged or high corrosion environments.  You can use square tube for the uprights and telescope it for adjustment.  It's a matter of finding tubes that fit well together locally.  Angle would work, but adjustments would have to be done by disassembling bolts and having a bunch of holes to work with.  Pipe is probably the easiest to find, and can be used to telescope easily.Rene
Reply:Originally Posted by tundratoy I want to build this as inexpensively as possible.
Reply:Curious,I found some nice  8' and 6' foot lengths of 2" x 2" x 1/4" and 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" x 3/16" ALUMINIUM Square Tube at my Metal yard.  Would that kind of stuff work for such a project?  I realize that the OP doesn't have the means for the Aluminum Welding, but can it be put together with permanent bolts at the bottom and Hitch-Pin style telescoping for the tops?  I would assume that the Aluminum is strong enough based on it's thickness?Cheers,/J...Miller Diversion 165120 amp Buzz BoxVictor Oxy/Ace Oxy/LPGSmith "Little" Oxy/LPGHypertherm Powermax 30Lot's of Misc. tools n' crap....