gate question

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I am going to do a job soon, this gate I am going to build is going to be approx 10' long and 5' high it will have a auto opener/closer on it. I have built a few gates before but on a larger scale and also where I could build, improvise, and change as I went along, this gate has to be built at home and then taken to the job and installed, it also has to be perfect, no "just makin it work". I have learned so far that if the material is to thick it will sag, and won't be rigid, I also don't want it to be a flimsy peice of $hit. the main frame will be made up of 1 1/2" material with 1" pickets and the small detail 3/4". I have done some research and have been told the standard is 16 gauge, some people have told me to use 11 gauge for the main frame so basically 1/8". I was planning to use the 1/8" for the main frame but I am worried about the weight. any insight? Attached Images
Reply:I build a lot of gates and the majority of my gates are 14ga 2" and 14ga 1" No problem with weight, no saging. Two people can install no problem.Go to my site and check it out. JL Welding Tx. com1990 SA 200Miller 225  Rip Miller302Miller 135Lincoln 200 MigHypertherm 600 PlasmaPlasma Cam Cutting TableMikita Cold SawJL Welding Tx . com
Reply:The important part is to make it rigid...I've made 'em out of .120, .095 and .065...the main issue is making a strong box like structure..From your drawing, it looks like you have 4 pieces going horizontally to 2 vertical posts.If all of that is welded solid, your gate should be stiff enough to hang with no sag, or very little, probably less than 1/8 inch...
Reply:It should be fine as long as you make it square
Reply:Hi Just make sure your gate post is good and sturdy. I see no prob with using 1 1/2" box outer frame. I,v made them up to 18ft long and no problems so you should be fine JOHNNY
Reply:As with JL, I usually use 14 ga. and have almost no sag. It's plenty strong enough for the hinges as well.
Reply:You didn't say weather it was steel or aluminum .Are you punching through the horizintal pieces where the crosses are? Do you make your own hinges . Looks good anyway and should not sag at all, weld it up good and take it to the powder coating shop, Tell the customer that you have to charge extra..Good Luck, I'v been at it too long
Reply:You can incorporate a diagonal into the design if you think it might sag.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:A gate is akin to a beam, or truss.  If the web is solidly built, it won't sag.The only problem you're facing, is the cantilevered load on the post.  If you look at the cross section of the post dimensions, you'll be able to see the problem to be solved.Two ways to solve it.  Thicker post, or a stay from the ground to the top of the post.  Deflection will be greatest at the top of the post.  But the root of the deflection will be at the hinge point at the base of the post where it meets the ground.  Not the gate hinge, but the hinge you're trying to create with the cantilevered load.  Leverage"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:HEY, I DID A POST ABOUT A POST!!!!!!Ok, I'll crawl back under my rock now"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammHEY, I DID A POST ABOUT A POST!!!!!!Ok, I'll crawl back under my rock now
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammA gate is akin to a beam, or truss.  If the web is solidly built, it won't sag.The only problem you're facing, is the cantilevered load on the post.  If you look at the cross section of the post dimensions, you'll be able to see the problem to be solved.Two ways to solve it.  Thicker post, or a stay from the ground to the top of the post.  Deflection will be greatest at the top of the post.  But the root of the deflection will be at the hinge point at the base of the post where it meets the ground.  Not the gate hinge, but the hinge you're trying to create with the cantilevered load.  Leverage
Reply:Originally Posted by eyeball engineer I'm over thinking this aren't I ?