Adjusting Fence Panels?

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All the fences Ive built I always set the posts first to get my exact measurements. I have a job coming up that I can't leave the post set without the panels up. There will be around 800' of fence.So how do you guys handle having to build the panels before setting the post? I thought about trying to make the panels adjustable some how.Thanks for any input.Dynamic MetalworksMontrose, CODynMetalworks.com
Reply:Odd circumstance. How about building all your panels, putting up the first and second post, brace them, install panel, put up third post, brace, install panel, and so on.Is it a security reason for the rust for panels, or a matter of accommodating other trades? Also seen panels where the bottom and top rails insert into a socket that attaches to the posts. Gives enough play to compensate for slight variations in width. If the rails are flat you can also make flat tabs that attach to the posts. Pre-drill your rails and drill the tabs once on site to match-up the holes in the rails and bolt. Make the post tabs 4" or so to give you good FUF.That's my two bits200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:I never put the posts in first. I build all my panels the exact same length. After getting the holes drilled I cement the first post in plumb. I set the railing close to the post and tie it loosely to the post. I block up the railing to level it and tack it or screw it, depending on the type. Set the next post up tight to the railing and tie it to the railing. Cement it in and tack or screw the railing to that post. Block up the next railing and start all over. Once you get your system down it goes very fast and you don't have to cut your railings to fit.I had a job like you have and once I figured this way out I've done it this way ever since as it was just so darn fast. Hope this helps.
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderOdd circumstance. How about building all your panels, putting up the first and second post, brace them, install panel, put up third post, brace, install panel, and so on.Is it a security reason for the rust for panels, or a matter of accommodating other trades? Also seen panels where the bottom and top rails insert into a socket that attaches to the posts. Gives enough play to compensate for slight variations in width. If the rails are flat you can also make flat tabs that attach to the posts. Pre-drill your rails and drill the tabs once on site to match-up the holes in the rails and bolt. Make the post tabs 4" or so to give you good FUF.That's my two bits
Reply:I build and paint the panels ahead of time to a set dimension, plus a couple inches to allow for differences in post spacing (or more ofthen, buy panels pre-made and pre-painted).  Then I go out and set all the posts, to a pre-determined spacing distance, slightly smaller than the panel lengths.  Then I bring the panels out, rack them if on a grade, or level them up if on a flat, trim them to length for each section they're going it, weld them in, then trim the posts to height, put caps on, paint the posts and welded ends of the panels and done.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:What is it mounting to? Concrete? Dirt?...all level?Make your first panel with two post welded on, then just make all the panels the same, with one post attached, one end---the other end would be field welded to the post/panel that you set previously...