swing set bracket help

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I am wanting to build some swingsets for garden swings or kids swings.Here is a simple L bracket ive found online. I think instead of buying them I can make them cheaper from angle iron. the A Frame will be made from 4x4 posts (wood) and I want something to make it solid and I like the idea of steel rather than wood bracing. I have welders, torches, grinders etc so that's not the issue. I just want to see what you guys think about it. here is a picture of the bracket.http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...F:3582763:TRUSZach WareOwnerMid-GA Outdoor & Equipment ServiceByron GA478-960-2014
Reply:How much cheaper do you think you can make them? They want $10 for both those brackets ( note there is one on both sides in that picture. To cover both 4x4's you'll need at roughly a foot of angle. For stability, your angle will have to be quite wide 4" minimum, on each leg, if not wider. I'd say the bottom part of that bracket is at least 6". Back side will not be angle ( unless it wraps the top and I can't see it, but plate.Easiest way to do it would be the way they did, cut the trapezoids and then bend the one in a press. Since you can't easily bend the notches in the corner to stiffen it, your plate will have to be thicker than theirs is to be of the same strength.Good rule of thumb I use is my supplier sells 2" bar stock at about $2 a ft. Heavy angle probably would run me $4-8 a foot depending on size. 2 pieces of material means you can't have more than $5 in each side to break even on stock alone. Even if you buy it at 1/2 that cost, is your  time to cut and drill each one worth only $2.50 and what about cost of saw blades and drill bits?.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWHow much cheaper do you think you can make them? ...Since you can't easily bend the notches in the corner to stiffen it, your plate will have to be thicker than theirs is to be of the same strength. ...
Reply:Forgot about the powder coating.I see guys try and do these sorts of side projects all the time. They think if they make one and sell it cheaper, they come out ahead. Even if the stock was "free" I doubt I could make money building one. The cost of a saw blade, drill bits, sander to knock off the sharp corners and burrs, not to mention any welding wire, electric, gas powder coat or paint would most likely exceed what you could sell it for. My time has to be worth something unless it's for me, and even then, I could probably put my time to better use and simply buy one and be ahead.This is how guys who don't know anything about business, loose money..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by midGAoutdoorI am wanting to build some swingsets for garden swings or kids swings.Here is a simple L bracket ive found online. I think instead of buying them I can make them cheaper from angle iron. the A Frame will be made from 4x4 posts (wood) and I want something to make it solid and I like the idea of steel rather than wood bracing. I have welders, torches, grinders etc so that's not the issue. I just want to see what you guys think about it. here is a picture of the bracket.http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...F:3582763:TRUS
Reply:I agree with every one above. I guess it depends on if you are thinking about selling them in your business or one-offs for your own use.You cannot make them for $10. But it would be a cool little project for your own use. Especially if the kids help you make them.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWHow much cheaper do you think you can make them? They want $10 for both those brackets ( note there is one on both sides in that picture. To cover both 4x4's you'll need at roughly a foot of angle. For stability, your angle will have to be quite wide 4" minimum, on each leg, if not wider. I'd say the bottom part of that bracket is at least 6". Back side will not be angle ( unless it wraps the top and I can't see it, but plate.Easiest way to do it would be the way they did, cut the trapezoids and then bend the one in a press. Since you can't easily bend the notches in the corner to stiffen it, your plate will have to be thicker than theirs is to be of the same strength.Good rule of thumb I use is my supplier sells 2" bar stock at about $2 a ft. Heavy angle probably would run me $4-8 a foot depending on size. 2 pieces of material means you can't have more than $5 in each side to break even on stock alone. Even if you buy it at 1/2 that cost, is your  time to cut and drill each one worth only $2.50 and what about cost of saw blades and drill bits?
Reply:Picture of the ones I made 18 years ago. Made from junk, cut with a torch, never painted, out in PA weather year round. I wouldn't take the store bought ones if they were free, won't last, but I don't have neighbor's either. Lol. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauGo back and read the product description. That price is per side, not for a pair of them. It doesn't mention whats on the end piece either, although in the picture there appears to be something else there. A piece of flat plate cut to shape would do it.
Reply:Your main weak point is going to be the bolt on pivot for probably 3/16" chain. It's amazing what kids will do to a romantic yard swing. Bolt up the A frame however you feel right for that part. A simple eye hook and chain won't last a week on the rest. Look at SII  Childworks for brackets. I don't know if they sell to the general public though. If they can't find a dealer near you, I could get you what you need. If you pretend your a big contractor and want to check out their parts they will probably send them to you.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauGo back and read the product description. That price is per side, not for a pair of them. It doesn't mention whats on the end piece either, although in the picture there appears to be something else there. A piece of flat plate cut to shape would do it.I believe these are for personal home use and not to sell to others. Is that right?I think 4x4x1/4" angle with a gusset in the corner would be more than enough, along with a backer plate on the ends.
Reply:if you're making them yourself you can do better than what's shown. maybe not cheaper but better.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla