question on angle iron thickness

admin

Hey guys and gals,     I'm planning a welding cart project and I'm looking for advice. What thickness angle iron to use 3/16 or 1/4? It will be a double decker design, holding a precision tig 225, a 180 mig, 2 medium size bottles, 50' of 6-3 extension cord and some tools. Thanks!
Reply:I think the 3/16" material will suffice.  I recently built a cart for my 175 tig, and 150 bottle with 16 gauge square tubing.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:Thickness means nothing without figuring in the leg size of the angle as well. Usually "taller" angle is stronger than "thicker" angle for the same length. In other words 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" 1/4" angle will probably bend before say 2" x 2" 3/16" angle will, given the same length, and 1/8" 3x3 is probably even stronger. The only issue with angle is that it will often buckle if it's not braced well over long lengths as the angle will tend to twist under heavy loads. Cross braces help avoid this issue. Even 1/8" angle or less, will probably hold up your tools listed, as long as the design is right and the leg size is big enough. The cross beams on my bakers scaffold are less than 16 ga and span almost 5' and will hold up 2 people. The reason is that the beams are tall and well designed  ( material in the right place to take the load and the shape helps resist bending) even if they are thin..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:I built mine using 1" square tubing 11 ga. I found that I had rather work with square tubing to build thing than angle. Just a personal preference.Making as much progress as a one legged duck in the middle of a pond, just going in circles.
Reply:3/16" is way too thick. Just built this cart for a precision TIG 225. The tube thickness is .083 and I consider it over built. Attached ImagesMillermatic 211Lincoln Precision TIG 225Century 250 MIGLincoln 225 AC Box (sold)I support my local welding store (Amazon, McMasterCarr, Cyberweld, EBay).
Reply:What ever you get for FREE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:I have built several with 1"x1"x1/8". You probably will not have over 16" that is not braced or welded to a shelf. Per DSW's point, if you're concerned, use 1.25"x1.25" x 1/8".Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Like all things, it depends on the design as well.  If supported on all for corners, then thinner stuff is fine. If you want to get all artsy and have the shelves cantilevered from only 2 back legs then I'd bet you need thicker material.MillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"
Reply:Sorry, I should have stated my design. It will be more of a four post type cart. A section will hang off the back two hold the two tanks. It will have three shelves, the first about seven inches off the ground. It will hold cables, foot controller, and other accessories. the second will hold the welders and down the road a water cooler. The third will be a top shelf with a vice, a small tool box, and electrical outlets, thanks for all the help guys!!!
Reply:I'd suggest something like 1.5 x 1.5 x 14ga square tube for the vertical risers. 1/8 x 2 for the horizontal members. you should use bits of 3/16" plate to support the bolts for wheels/casters. Use 3/8" plywood for the shelves.The bottles will be by far the heaviest source of load. make sure you select wheels/casters that definitely are up to the job. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to pull around a heavy cart with trashed wheels. I'd suggest oversized fixed wheels on the rear to support the gas bottles. Use heavy duty swivel casters on the front. 150 lb rating. larger rear wheels = less rolling friction, especially if your shop floor is kind of dirty.If you want to look like a real bada$$ though, use 1/18" 6063 T6 aluminum. As long as you're confident you have the TIG skills for that.
Reply:1/18"  ...odd fraction ....Ah new math ?Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd111/18"  ...odd fraction ....Ah new math ?
Reply:I had originally designed with square tube, just looking to save some money with angle (I haven't priced it yet there may be no real difference). Yeah the plan is for 10 or 12" rear wheels with hard rubber tread and 5 or 6" caster up front. Casters are going to be rated at 250-350lbs depending on what I find. I cant find my last revised drawing as that might help keep from extra questions! Thanks everyone!!!
Reply:Square tube is strong and real easy to work with i use it for all kinds of fab workBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck