I need to build a gate.

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A friend of mine asked me to build a gate for the side of his house.  He wanted to make a gate out of square tubing, nothing fancy just a rectangular shape.  I've built many projects and done some metal work but I've never build a gate before.  He wants it to be around 12' wide and swing open on one side.  I was wondering what size square tubing to use for the gate structure and what size tubing for the upright post that will hold the latch and the hinges?  I drew a pic of what he wants me to build.  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Attached ImagesOnly two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Reply:I have never done this before but I think You may get lots of sag with such a long gate.  You are gonna have to use some super heavy duty hinges on it.  Just my .02 centsVictor OXY setupMiller Thunderbolt XL AC/DCLooking for a Miller Mig
Reply:You can put a wheel on the free end.The tubing will need to be large (not thick) to support it's self.If a wheel is out of the question the problem will be keeping the hinge post vertical.  A BIG hole and LOTS of concrete will do the trick. (lots!)  I built one a few years back and use two trailer hubs for hinges (modified! and internal) and it is nice and smooth.....Now how are you guys going to move it around?  The one I made came in at over 600# Good Luck!Me!
Reply:I forgot to mention, we plan on using a wheel on the end to help the gate from sagging and also to help the gate roll easier for open and closing.  I don't see it weighing 600# so I don't think moving it will be too much trouble.  I'm just unsure what size tubing to use for the frame and the post.Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Reply:I have built 3 gates similar to what you have shown.Gate #1 is 14 1/2 ft X 3 1/2 ft and has sagged.  I will add a brace.Gate #2 is 11 1/2 ft X 5 1/2 ft and has a brace and has not saggedGate #3 is 11 1/2 ft X 4 1/2 ft and does not have a brace and has not sagged (8 years)All square tubing.John Attached Images
Reply:Thanks for the insightful detail and explanation John!12 feet is gonna be heavy to swing.  You have to make sure the post doesn't move or it's gonna be a drag. You have to make sure that whatever rectangular frame you choose to build, it stays rigid.  Even with cross braces.   And the welds are good.Old horsebarn for a shopBig scrap pile out backMiller Syncro200Lifelong collection of toolsBunch of other crapUnderstanding wifeUnderstanding neighbors
Reply:Here's a link to some pretty awesome hinges, thanks to Rocky D.http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtal...ad.php?t=305499-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Make the frame out of 1 1/2"x 14 ga. and the pickets out of 16 ga. Gate will weigh around a hundred or so pounds. No special or heavy duty hinges will be needed but a solid hinge post will. Best to set two more posts on hinge end and weld something to them to help guy the hinge post. Every picket you weld will stiffen the gate frame. A picketed gate that long shouldn't sag over 3/4". If looks of hinges is not a big deal, just use threaded hinges and cut holes in the posts to put hinges through and you can adjust the sag out. Other wise you can put it in 3/4" high on the open end and allow for it. You can use 3/4" pipe or flat strap with a hole in it for the hinge part on the gate. I've built literally hundreds of gates through the years and don't use the heavy duty hinges until the gate weight gets over a couple hundred pounds. And for sure, oil the hinges.