Container Weld Shop build -

[BukitCase]

OK, ya got me; 2/3 was my "SSWAG" (SortaScientificWild-AssGuess), looked like more than 1/2 but not quite 3/4 :laughing:

Roof - I'd be more than amazed if it's started before the new year, but might be close - yeah, that bucket is 6'x8'x2' deep - I'll clamp a couple of the "purlins" (in this case, it'll all be .120" wall 2" square tube) across those braces, most likely with some extensions on the outer end to raise that purlin - the legs that lock into the container's corner sockets will be 2-1/2" tube, that just slips into the sockets snug. Legs will be not quite 2' long, gives me a 2/12 pitch so it doesn't cut down on headroom compared to the door height.

I'll set it up so those legs hang out the front enough to keep the brush bucket about a foot away from the container when the legs line up with the sockets. The approach to the container isn't completely level, so I'm pretty sure my "tinker toy collection" will come into play getting the roof angle lined up with the container (side to side) - front/back tilt is just loader curl function. Tinker toys are all 2" male/female square tube -
Notice those 7 receivers on the bucket?
Any time I wanna move/lift/pull/push something and CAN'T find a combo of those fittings to do the job, I build a couple more - hasn't happened in a while

It's good to write about these things BEFORE trying 'em, I just thought of a way to MINIMISE the monkey-motion by putting that brush bucket on the 580 BEFORE I fab the roof, setting it up next to the container sockets and MEASURING the side to side height difference, then clamp up my tinker toys with that difference BEFORE I start the frame (duh - usually I figger that out AFTER )

Good to know about the batteries, they want more than TWICE as much for their ONLY model that's rechargeable; thanks... Steve

 

[BukitCase]

Got a fair amount done on the weld cart today, mostly cut/maim/mutilate - - fabbing the lifting eye - 1-1/2" hole in 1/2" steel, took just under 45 SECONDS.
Part of the trailer hitch; the vertical piece is part of the lifting frame - - Rest of the lift frame, the short piece down low will stiffen the vertical side to side - - a closer view of the brace -

Top of the lifting frame from the back - the bolt head on the right goes into a nut that's welded onto a 2x2 piece of 1/4", which will be welded onto the top end of the vertical. Hard to see, but that bolt goes thru a 2" long SLOT which will let the FRONT (sideways) balance adjuster move along the hand truck handle without binding.

View of the front-to-back balance adjuster - both adjusters will get 1/2" nuts welded on and wing bolts to lock them in place once the balance point is found -

Front slider for left/right balance - there will be an upper "ear" welded onto the slider too, think "snug fitting clevis" -

View from the front, showing where the weld nut and wing bolt will go to lock sideways balance -

And last, the front/back balance sleeve, showing location for weld nut/wing bolt lock and the lifting eye -

NONE of that new stuff is welded, but it's lookin' like I might be burning a foot or two of wire manana :laughing: - Later... Steve

 

[Oldpath05]

Why is there such a birds nest on the first two pictures? After your done with weld cart, drop off some of that left over square tubing at my place seeings how you to much of it, no sense in letting it get all rusted up from none use.

 

[BukitCase]

The "birds nest" is whatcha get when you drill a 1-1/2" hole in 1/2" steel with an annular cutter, left it there for the pic - also left the "slug" laying there, if you want "purty" you can look at the LAST pic

Tubing - probly got somewhere between 20-25 sticks of it, 35 if you count another 10 sticks of light 1" square - most of it's tucked away out of the weather, few sticks get a little blown in rain when the wind's bein' particularly ornery. Those I need to "shinify" before welding, that problem will go bye-bye once the container's done.

Sorry, the tubing's all (eventually) spoken for for one job or another, plus the shipping'd probably bankrupt ya

Got some of the stuff in those pics welded out yesterday, today turned into "family pre-Christmas time", manana (and probably the NEXT day) it'll get (maybe) finished welded up.

No more pics yet, should have several tomorrow... Steve

 

[GLyford]

For the flash rusting issue, have you tried weld-through primer? I think I found a can or two somewhere, but haven't used enough to know how well it works.

 

[BukitCase]

Dang, I LOVE this site - never heard of weld-through primer but I'm gonna know more about it SOON - thanks, GLyford - I've been priming a lot of the steel when I get it, especially any that needs to go in ONE of my "desperation racks" (the one that can get wet under "non-ideal" rain/wind combos) - but a few pieces rust right through the primer.

My local steel supplier USED to get pre-primed steel in - same price as bare, your choice which you want - then THAT went away so I started priming my own - time-consuming process when you gotta "de-oil" first (still rusts thru the oil, just takes a bit longer) - also not cheap, $6 a can for primer - then do it AGAIN after fab...

Also, there's always 1 or 2 that I hadn't primed; only cure I'm comfy with for those is flap disk down to bare metal, fab up, prime and paint SOON...

The above is part of my decision to use one of the containers for a dedicated metal shop/storage space (other being one neighbor and all their "sub-trailer trash" friends) - at the moment I'm working in 2 covered (but not secure) "porta-sheds" I built using 2" tube frames and fiberglass roofs - When I need to, I can drive my 580B inside, pick 'em up and move 'em anywhere I have a 14' wide path.

One of those is tarped well enough for MIG welding so that's where I do most of my metal work (then lock away anything that looks portable and costs more than $10 when I'm done)

This is my "inspiration" that keeps me putting on extra layers and insulated coveralls and going outside when the weather's in the high 20's like it's been the last couple weeks (cooler than usual for this area) - I'm looking forward to a dedicated area that's dry, windless and LOCKABLE, being able to just lock the door when I'm tired at night instead of half a dozen trips carrying stuff back to a lockable area.... Steve

 

[BukitCase]

Edit - at three to five TIMES the price, I'll stick with regular primer and just shine up WELD areas

Amazon.com: weld-through primer

But thanks anyway, it's always good to know your options... Steve

 

[GLyford]

I think that's why I've only ever picked up a can or two...

 

[BukitCase]

Yeah, no kidding - a 20' stick of .120" wall 2x2 costs me just over $40 - I can usually prime around 2 sticks with one can - at $5.50 a can it's irritating. At $20 a can (another $10 a stick) it's an easy decision between that and a flap disk :laughing:

Just noticed you're in Mass; I was stationed at Ft. Devens back in late '60's, I'll shut up about the COLD now ... Steve

 

[Oldpath05]

Must be out Christmas shopping for the Misses instead finishing this weld important weld cart.