Much Needed Shelves

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Moving from the "Practice" thread that I have going to the Projects section...I designed these stand alone shelves for the garage. I rent the property; so, it's all gotta be able to move, when needed. The legs and shelves are made of 2"x2" 1/8" angle, supports are 2"x1/8" strip and the tops are 16 gauge. After purchasing the material, I decided to make the shelf 30" deep instead of 25" and 80" wide; it remained 75" tall.I coped all the angle and tacked the frame together.Welded it up...I did do a little grinding because the 16 gauge had to sit down flush against the shelf frame.Also had to notch out the support strips that went across the shelfA buddy gave me two sheets of 16 gauge for free. I ended up having to cut and tack together two pieces for the top shelf. I would have completely welded it; however, the 252 seems to burn too hot for the thin metal... and admittedly, I probably lack the skill yet to mig that thin. I practiced on the side but couldn't get consistent enough and I needed to get these things finished. One day I'll take it apart and redo the top.All said and done here is the before...After...The shelves are bolted onto the legs; so, if I ever have to move, it all comes apart pretty easily, but it's rock steady. It's storing a wide variety of stuff that I've picked up along the way: camping gear, boxing gear, tools, truck parts, speakers, etc. For only being in my 20s, I've managed to collect a ton of stuff.This was my first welding project and I learned a lot along the way, and I can't wait to move onto the next project which will be one of below...Coffee table and stands (the girlfriend wants this)A proper welding tableRear bumper/hitch and rock sliders for my truckTake a vote.Last edited by TwoTonTex; 03-26-2012 at 12:39 PM.Millermatic 252Miller Digital Elite Helmet
Reply:A proper welding table will make the other two projects go more smoothly!  Shelf looks good.ECAVE Still learnin'Lincoln AC225Lincoln 135SPHF ChopsawVictor O/ANumerous other items
Reply:I second the idea of the welding table next, for the same reason. You say you learned alot on this project, if the G/F gripes about wanting the coffee table first, tell her you will gain valuable experience doing the welding table first. That knowledge will carry over into the coffee table to help make it come out looking better. Having the welding table will probably help also in making the C/T project better anyway. Do the bumper/slider project after the Welding table, still working on getting the hang of this welding stuff if she asks. Besides, you know how bad she wants the coffee table to look "perfect", so don't rush that project. What type of machine are you using on this anyway?
Reply:I probably would have put an X brace on the back (from the corner of the top shelf to the opposite corner of the bottom shelf and vise-versa).  You may or may not need the extra stiffness, but it's a fairly cheap way to add a lot of strength.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:@Bistineau I'm running a Millermatic 252. Miller says it'll weld down to 22ga. I'm sure with practice I can get the 16 ga going, but really for thin metal, I'd rather learn how to oxy or tig.@AndyA Yeah, I thought of doing an X brace in the back as well. It was one of those things where, if I thought the shelves needed it; then, I would add it. However, with the three shelves bolted in, the entire thing is really rigid; doesn't sway from side to side at all. I'll keep an eye on it, keep testing it and adding more stuff on the shelves... the moment it doesn't seem solid, I'll add the extra brace.Last edited by TwoTonTex; 03-26-2012 at 03:49 PM.Millermatic 252Miller Digital Elite Helmet
Reply:TwoTon,What size wire are you running? The 252 can run down to .023 IIRC with the liner in the M-15 (or is it M-20 now?) gun that comes with it.Miller: 200dx, Bobcat 225, Passport, Powermax 45, Milwaukee: Dry Saw, MagDrill, grinders
Reply:Good job.I vote welding table before the other projects. -IanMiller Dynasty 350Miller XMT 304