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I'm brand new here, and I posted an introduction earlier today. I thought I'd share a project I'm currently working on. It all started with a 9 foot piece of heavy 8 inch channel I had laying around. I thought it would make a good rail for a motorcycle trailer (a bit of overkill, but the price was right). Originally I was just going to weld an axle and tongue directly to the channel, without springs. There are a couple commercially available trailers that are built this way. I decided that some of the crappy roads I travel would be too hard on the bike, so I decided to spring it. Instead of going to the trouble of posting pics here, I'll just post a link to my website: www.bksgarage.com Criticisms always welcome!P.S. I'm a better welder than website builder!
Reply:looks good and heavy duty. Those are some nice looking welds what machine you using ??
Reply:Nice beads...are they all tig welds? Some don't appear to be.
Reply:Thanks!The only TIG welds are the root passes on the axle. I wanted to make sure they were as strong as possible for obvious reasons. The cover passes, as well as the welds on the rail and frame are MIG. I'm using a Miller Dialarc 250HF for the TIG and a Millermatic 200 for the MIG. I have a Millermatic 251, but believe it or not the older 200 lays down a better weld! Sometimes modern technology is not all it's cracked up to be.Happy Memorial Day!
Reply:Finally got a chance to do a bit more work on the motorcycle trailer. If anyone's interested, there are more photos on my website: www.bksgarage.com Attached ImagesMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Looks like a really good trailer.Is there any give in the channel which supports the bike. The long red one. I don't know what a bike weighs.The short welds are absolutely right on the money. I can't see soapstone marks anymore, and I have to lay a piece of scrap or a piece of rod next to where I need to stop. It throws a shadow that I can see.Looking forward to seeing it on wheels"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:The channel is 8" 13.75# per foot. It's WAY overkill for what I'm using it for but the price couldn't be beat (free!). The motorcycle will sit on it where the rear wheel is located near the rear crossmember of the main frame, and the front wheel will sit right on top of the tongue. The tongue is 2.5 x 1/4" wall square tube. I don't think there will be much flex. Hopefully I'll get the rest of it together soon!Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Hey I owe you one.I was so busy lookin at the welds, I didn't notice that you'd put the tubing under the channel. I was just looking at the channel, and the short web it offered when mounted like that.I get a dope slap on this one"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:So how about the overhang at the back??? Does the bike sit on it???I better quit while I'm ahead"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Sam, if ya can't see soapstone anymore, maybe a silver pencil would work? The ones I use reflect a little light so they show up better than soap. Doesn't burn away as easy either.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmSam, if ya can't see soapstone anymore, maybe a silver pencil would work? The ones I use reflect a little light so they show up better than soap. Doesn't burn away as easy either.
Reply:Finally got a little time to get back on the motorcycle trailer. Here's a few pictures of the initial assembly. Once all the pieces are finished, I'm going to strip it back down and have a friend powder coat it. Attached ImagesMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Have you figured out how you're going to get the bike up on the trailer? A ramp or some kind of tilt mechanism and winch the bike up? I'd recommend adding some place for your feet to touch down, if you plan on riding the bike onto the trailer. Likewise, some place to temporarily rest the sidestand while you get straps and your bar harness ready. It's either that or you'll need two people to load a bike on the trailer...Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:Cool, did you do the rocket engine yourself?A butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:The ramp is something I'm still deciding on what would be best. I think I will probably attach a horizontal bar across the back of the main channel for a ramp to hook onto. I will remove the ramp when not needed, and come up with some sort of quick clamping device off to the side of the main channel.I'm going to cover the openings on the frame with diamond plate so I have a place for my feet. I'm also thinking of attaching one of those automatic motorcycle chocking devices that I've seen at HF. That would make loading a one man operation.Rocket engine?Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Hey, it's on your page. I thought you built it. Attached ImagesA butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:Oh, sorry. I forgot I had a link to those photos on my page No, I didn't build it, but I am the one driving the truck hauling it. It is known as the "forward assembly" for the new ARES rocket (what is to replace the space shuttle). It is the interface between the solid rocket motor section and the second stage section. Contained within are the parachutes for the booster rocket retrieval, as well as several electronic assemblies. There are 4 small rockets on the side, known as booster tumble motors, that are used to induce a roll onto the booster assembly so it doesn't "lawn dart" as it falls.A few interesting facts:Weight - 53,000 LBSHeight - 23 feetApproximate value - $120,000,000Scheduled launch - late August / Early September 2009Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:well, are you a welder, truck driver, or rocket scientist? Or all of the above?A butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:Welder, truck driver, crane and heavy equipment operator, maintenance mechanic. Not a rocket scientist, though.Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:BTW, thanks for the idea for my avatar! Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Did you stay at a "Holiday Inn Express" Last night? ROTFLMAO,,,,Looks like a decent bike trailer. Good work.
Reply:Haven't done much more to the trailer, due to other obligations. I did get the coupler, jack and safety chain rings on, and I bought the fenders, so they'll go on next. BTW, I bought one of those HF benders, and made the safety chain rings and the cycle tiedowns out of 3/8" bar stock. Anyone on the fence over purchasing one of these benders should do it. I see many uses in the future for it! Attached ImagesMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Nice looking setup. For the ramp, rather then make it detach. You could put a small plate on each side with a couple pins and once the bike is on and the ramp could be swung up and a pin inserted to lock it in the up position. Kinda like a dog tail pointed up when not in use. Just a thought. Is there a market for those?
Reply:Which HF bender did you get? I think they have different ones, don't they?
Reply:They've got a couple different ones listed. The one I got is this one: 31980-9VGA. $89.00 Attached ImagesMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)I've been tempted to buy one of those when they go on sale,but never had enough stock laying around to justify the purchase. I just bought 100- 3/8"x4' solid rod stock though so I might have to look closer the next time I'm there..LOL...I always wondered if it would form anything that heavy instead of only small stuff anyway.Thanks for testing it out for us...
Reply:Nice job! So on the root pass with the tig welds, did you add filler to that?Nice projects you have there on the site
Reply:Originally Posted by bratkid63They've got a couple different ones listed. The one I got is this one: 31980-9VGA. $89.00
Reply:Is that taking your Harley for ride?
Reply:Thanks, Mustangous. Yes, I used 1/16" filler wire on the root, then filled it out with MIG. I only did that to the axle, though, as the welds are real critical.Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Nice work, Piniongear! Are the tiedowns bent with the same HF bender? If so they look like they're made from 1/2" round, and I was wondering if you had any trouble bending 1/2" stock in the bender?Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Originally Posted by bratkid63Nice work, Piniongear! Are the tiedowns bent with the same HF bender? If so they look like they're made from 1/2" round, and I was wondering if you had any trouble bending 1/2" stock in the bender?
Reply:bratkid63,Nice work and interesting www site. This www site continues to bless me with ideas and examples of great work.I do have a question (maybe more). The axle, is that 2x2x.250 tube? I have an old Enco metal saw I bought used a few years ago, For some reason it cuts on a slant. It starts out straight, then drifts to the right maybe as much as .125 as it appraoches the bottom...no matter how much I slow the srop down, adjust the tension on the blade and tighten things up. I see your 45's appear bang on, or did you hand form them for a finish cut?thanks for the posting
Reply:I've always preferred expanded metal for my motorcycle trailers. Diamond plate can get real slick when it gets wet or oily.
Reply:Originally Posted by MX727I've always preferred expanded metal for my motorcycle trailers. Diamond plate can get real slick when it gets wet or oily.
Reply:Geezer: The axle tube is 2x2x.250. I didn't have to do any hand finishing to get the 45 angle. I did take my time with a combination square to make sure the saw vise was right on 45 degrees. That and I had the blade pretty tight, and used a slow downfeed.I was also having trouble keeping a straight cut, until I replaced the blade with a quality (Starrett) variable pitch blade I bought from McMaster Carr (Part Number 4179A144). Now it cuts smooth and straight. They cost $25 each, but they last a LONG time.Piniongear: That's good to know the bender will do 1/2". Do you happen to remember the radius your loops were bent at? I bent the 3/8" at a 2" radius.I thought I might use diamond plate for the floor area, but I think I changed my mind. I'll probably go with flat plate, and use some industrial grip tape stripes for traction.Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Originally Posted by bratkid63Geezer: The axle tube is 2x2x.250. I didn't have to do any hand finishing to get the 45 angle. I did take my time with a combination square to make sure the saw vise was right on 45 degrees. That and I had the blade pretty tight, and used a slow downfeed.I was also having trouble keeping a straight cut, until I replaced the blade with a quality (Starrett) variable pitch blade I bought from McMaster Carr (Part Number 4179A144). Now it cuts smooth and straight. They cost $25 each, but they last a LONG time.Piniongear: That's good to know the bender will do 1/2". Do you happen to remember the radius your loops were bent at? I bent the 3/8" at a 2" radius.I thought I might use diamond plate for the floor area, but I think I changed my mind. I'll probably go with flat plate, and use some industrial grip tape stripes for traction.
Reply:[QUOTE=bratkid63;302092]Geezer: I was also having trouble keeping a straight cut, until I replaced the blade with a quality (Starrett) variable pitch blade I bought from McMaster Carr (Part Number 4179A144). Now it cuts smooth and straight. They cost $25 each, but they last a LONG time.bratkid63,A pricy blade, but sounds like its worth it. I have been buying ENCO blades. I to adjusted my machine to a pure 45 degree angle. Anyhow I found my problem this PM, large spring adjustment on the back side of the saw.Again, nice www site
Reply:Originally Posted by riceburnerIs that taking your Harley for ride?
Reply:Nice looking trailer
Reply:Originally Posted by piniongearI used the 1-3/8 inch diameter roller to do the bend on the 1/2 inch rod. that is a radius of 11/16 inch. Kinda tight but it works!Yeah on the flat plate!What I remember most about buying the 4ft X 8ft sheet of aluminum diamond plate was the cost........$108....OUCH!
Reply:Yes, 1-3/8 inch inside the hoops and it measures 2-3/8 outside the hoops. That seems to be a perfect size for the hooks on the hold down straps I use. Not planned I assure you, just the way it worked out ...... pgDynasty 200 DX_set up to run on 3 phaseCoolmate 3MM 251 w/ Spoolmatic 30AHTP 625 Micro Cut Plasma CutterVictor O/A RigBridgeport Mill_3 phase10 inch South Bend Lathe_3 phaseQuincy 325 2 Stg. Air Compressor_3 phase
Reply:Bratkid63,Very nice job. It looks really pro; great welds. The only thing I can think of adding my two cents worth with, is: take a cutting torch, and or grinder, and put a half inch radius on the pointy outside corners of all those channels. Your body parts will thank you for it.
Reply:Thanks for the compliment! I will definitely break all the sharp edges prior to paint or powdercoat. Nothing sucks worse than drawing blood on a sharp edge !I built some fancy fender mounting brackets tonight, just need to weld them together. I hope to have them done and attached this weekend so I can post some more pics.Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:The spindles on your axle you built do they insert in to the tube and if so did you have to file down the seam in the tube? Also did you buy that type of spindle with the square shaft or make it yourself? Trailer looks good so far.
Reply:The spindles insert about 1 1/2" into the tube, and I did have to take a file to the weld on the inside of the tube. They are welded at the backside, inside the tube (did this before welding the tube together) and around the perimeter where they exit the tube. I bought the spindles at the local marine store we have nearby.One thing I learned many trailers ago was to coat the machined end of the spindle with MIG nozzle dip prior to welding, to keep any spatter from sticking to it.I welded the fender / tail light brackets today, but I'm not sure I like them. Anyway, I'll try to post some pictures later and maybe I can get some opinions (not that anyone on this forum has one ).Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Got the fender brackets finished and installed. Attached ImagesMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Back from the powder coat shop today. Hopefully I'll get to do some final assembly this long weekend. Attached ImagesMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:About 99% complete. I need to put some non-skid on the deck. Then it's time for a loaded interstate speed road test! Attached ImagesMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:your trailer looks real nice! great job on the build and pics! good luck with it, rob.millermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A |
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发表于 2021-9-1 00:04:23