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Built my very first welding project today...Hitch mounted 3-4 bike rack for the back of the car. Yakima and Thule wanted something like $200. Total cost came out to a steep $24-26 at most. Materials: 1.25" x 1/8" x 11' square tubing. One cheap hitch pin, 5 plastic end caps, Rustoleum Black Hammered Finish, (6) 8" REI Velcro straps, and about 3' of pipe insulation (to provide cushion for the bikes). Will also be adding some SOLAS retroreflective tape to the bottom and top for added visibility. Used 7018 at 75A, and got some really great welds with only one that I needed to "touch up" after grinding.And my wife's bike for good measure:So, the welder has paid off $175 worth, and the Mrs is happy. If anyone has any additional ideas please share!ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Its, always nice to save money when possible plus you get a better feeling from making something than buying something
Reply:Looks good, quality piece!John - fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!- bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I couldve easily bought a yak rack, but honestly needed an easy (super easy) first project. Also needed something to demonstrate that a welding machine can do something other than make the garage a filthy stinking mess! I also added insulation/padding to the primary neck to keep the gears from mashing.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:That's great. You did a good job. If the lil missus is happy, everybody's happy.
Reply:Nice job.... what actually holds the bike to the rack?_________________Chris
Reply:Uses a Hidden Hitch 1.25" receiver hitch. Did some "bar push ups" on it, and feel comfortable putting our bikes on it.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Good job.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Nice job on the rack.Although it's been many years since my bike shop manager days, I'll guess from the pictures...Carbon Fiber Frame, Aero Rims and "Spud" pedals...you have more than a few dollars wrapped up on those two wheels.A bit of advice (from personal experience, I've seen several hitch mounted carriers snap off after hitting bumps in the road) attach a nylon web strap between the bike frame and the top of the hatchback or trunk. It can be a simple as one end of a length of nylon webbing tied to the top tube of the frame and a knot tied in the other end, closed inside the hatchback. It's cheap insurance. If the rack does let go, the strap will keep your bike attached to your car until you can safely stop.You mentioned doing bar dips and the rack held, that's good. But at speed, hitting a nasty pot hole, your 18lb. bike could impart 15 to 20 times that weight to the rack. Even though those dynamic loads only occurs for an instant, it could be all that it takes to snap a weld and a grand's worth of bike to get squashed under the car behind you.There are no small projects
Reply:Thanks for the kind words and ideas. I already picked up some Dyneema retroreflective straps, and will definitely do the "backup" with it. I'll be using my Gorilla lock for the hold down along with a SS pearl lock.I was originally worried about bottoming out the bottom part of the rack on things like speedbumps, but it doesnt stick out as far as the Yakima/Thule racks do (about 8" less). I didnt want it to be a fulcrum, and built it closer to the bumper. Figured a little reinforcement there would be a good idea, but might even think about reinforcing the other joints as well for good measure of insanity.These arent cheap bikes, and I want to keep them that way!ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Dang, you got me all paranoid...added some "reinforcement" to the main structure. Carbon fiber doesnt grind well on the highway. If this lets loose, it will be God's will.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Looks great man.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Yep, looks great !John - fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!- bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Nice. Upclose pics available?***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:First project?Good work!!- Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Great first project and good job! Always satisfying to say you made it too. Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:One suggestion I would have is to have some sort of bar that goes across the bikes that allows them to be locked. I made a similar rack once that also had angle iron set up to cradle the top tubes. I had rubber in the angle to protect the frame.Eventually, I ditched my rack and bought a Thule. I didn't trust my rack with my $3000 Litespeed on it. My rack allowed me to swivel it down to open the tailgate on the Suburban. That was its weak point...yours won't have that problem."Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com |
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发表于 2021-9-1 00:34:19