NormL
Platinum Member
- Joined
- May 9, 2011
- Messages
- 662
- Location
- Manitoba, Canada
- Tractor
- Craftsman GT18, Ford 601 / FEL, Oliver 550 / FEL
Here goes!! I'm getting started. Here are some pictures. I wanted to start the mounting platform for the pivot and control valves, etc, but since I don't have the right material yet, I'm having a go at the boom. I'm using a reciprocating saw to make the cuts and all went well for a little while - till the blade jammed in the work and broke. Kind of brings it all to a halt!
The photos:
1): First cut - free hand. 2): Closing the gap. 3): Yeah, I blew a hole in it. 1/8th" material and the welder operator is as rusty as the material, or worse! 4): I'll grind that down and try another layer over that. I'm not too concerned about the strength of the weld; there's heavy plate going on each side of that for the boom and dipper cylinders to mount onto. 5): The reciprocating saw before the blade busted.
What do you gentlemen think. Am I going to get the needed strength and rigidity from 3" x1/8th" tubing for the boom and dipper? I have lots of it and can go double if it is necessary. If bracing it will suffice, I can do that, too. I will lean heavily on the advice of builders with more knowledge and experience than I. If you tell me I am crazy, I will believe you and heed your advice (short of abandoning the project). If you tell me I am brilliant, I'll laugh just as hard at that as you will.:laughing::laughing:
The photos:
1): First cut - free hand. 2): Closing the gap. 3): Yeah, I blew a hole in it. 1/8th" material and the welder operator is as rusty as the material, or worse! 4): I'll grind that down and try another layer over that. I'm not too concerned about the strength of the weld; there's heavy plate going on each side of that for the boom and dipper cylinders to mount onto. 5): The reciprocating saw before the blade busted.
What do you gentlemen think. Am I going to get the needed strength and rigidity from 3" x1/8th" tubing for the boom and dipper? I have lots of it and can go double if it is necessary. If bracing it will suffice, I can do that, too. I will lean heavily on the advice of builders with more knowledge and experience than I. If you tell me I am crazy, I will believe you and heed your advice (short of abandoning the project). If you tell me I am brilliant, I'll laugh just as hard at that as you will.:laughing::laughing: