Log Gate

[jamtuc]

I purchased some property. Mostly wooded with a cabin. There is a cable up now but, I was thinking of putting up a log with a single pivot point. Just as a barrier to keep the honest people honest. I tried to upload a google sketchup file but can't figure it out. I know I need to convert it but am not a computer whiz (or even a computer fizzle for that matter). I need a picture with this thread to explain what I am thinking and to get some feedback from the guru's. Thanks

Jamie

 

[bcp]

Two ideas.



Bruce

 

[jamtuc]

How about a combination Working on the picture

 

[jamtuc]

OK I think I got it

 

[jamtuc]

Of course it definately wont be that straight

 

[Iplayfarmer]

What you posted in the picture would probably work as long as you had the log balanced with the counter weight. That would need to be a lot of weight, though. You might also consider adding some triangles to improve the strength. See the picture.

I sent you PM regarding getting a 2D image from Sketchup.

 

[jamtuc]

Iplayfarmer,
Thanks for the info thats what I ened up doing except for I saved it as a bmp file. What I have in mind is a log with a large butt end and severly tapered to reduce weight on the long end. I have one at the house I plan on testing tonight.

 

[jamtuc]

I am going to see what the Center of Gravity is on the log.
Does anyone have any ideas on the pivot portion? I was thinking a steel rod into the top of a piece of telephone pole and partially drill through the suspended log at the CG. Let it kind of balance and rotate on the rod. Kind of a teetering swinging kind of motion. It will havw stops at either end of the Arc with a latching mechanism....ie chain.

 

[MotorSeven]

It's a cool idea, but I don't think it would live too long. Unless the pivot pin is 1" or better hardened steel rod all it would take is some knucklehead to push down on the long side and bend the rod...then it won't work anymore. Or, sink a 4" drill pipe in the ground for the pivot and fill it with concrete, weld a cap on it with threaded rod sticking up in the middle. Then cut a shoulder hole in the pivot log so the weight sits on the shoulder. Grease it up and set the log over the threaded rod.

I think Iplay is right, it needs to be a triangle, but you could still build it out of logs.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

In my opinion you'll need something between the log and the vertical post if you stick to the original design to help reduce the friction from the weight of the log. Wood on wood can create a lot of friction. A metal washer of sorts would likely do the trick. Maybe polish the metal washer with floor wax to help initially.

I agree with MotorSeven that you'll want that center pin as large as you can get.