Recycled scrap log arch.

[GrizzyDan]

I've had some kind of broken hoist kicking around in the scrap pile for years and for the last few months I've been thinking about how easy it would be to convert it to a log arch, so yesterday I drug it out of the pile and took a sledge to it, getting it to expand yet not quite come apart.. Then out came the sawzall.

Here's what I started with, The sawzall quit working on the last cut, so instead of tearing apart the sawzall and losing motivation on the project I decided to tackle the spindles.

Started with some Volkswagen spindles that were handy as I have wheels and tires to go along with them.

I cut off the steering arms and mocked up some 1/2" plate, getting a rough idea of how far I wanted the spindles to stick out.

This was as far as I got lastnight, more pics to come as I make progress.

 

[creekbend]

:thumbsup:Good Luck in regards to your project.

 

[GrizzyDan]

Thanks Creekbend, I try to make due with what I can scrounge.

Made more progress today. I got the arch stripped down bare, took some measurements, and realized that with wheels and tires it was going to end up being close to 5'4" tall for the upper support.. That was a bit more than I was wanting, so I shaved off another 10 inches and went with it.

After stripping the castors and chopping off the 10 inches I did the only thing I could think of to true up the spindles and drew a square T on the floor and laid it out using a piece of square stock to match the spindles.. close enough.

Threw some 3/32 rod at the same settings as 1/8th, 120 amps, and burnt some solid tacks, threw the arch on the table, and got to work welding it together.. I ran out of 6013 for my ac buzzbox and now I'm running some 7018 that just doesn't feel right.. I can't remember if you had to buy specific 7018 to run on ac or not. All my welding experience is on dc so I am learning as I go.

I suppose I just have to live with it =) All that matters is that it holds right?

 

[GrizzyDan]

Heading back to the garage to finish the rest of the heavy welding and get lined up on capping the spindle blocks.. The one part I don't have for this build is a spare ball hitch.. I am contemplating on fabricating my own and will do a search for ideas tonight.

 

[GrizzyDan]

Went with some thinner material for the cap, I don't want to think about how many grinder disks I would have gone through trying to do the same with 1/2" plate.

 

[GrizzyDan]

Made a little more progress today even though I spent 8 hours in the shop. Got the spindles finished up and started on the upper beam, then I spent some time sifting through my scrap piles looking for the right pieces to make the hitch.

Time consuming, but so much fun!

 

[babypp2]

Hmmmm ... I'm going to have to think about that one

 

[jwmorris]

Before you add your hitch remember there is a right and left spindle, threads are different. You can also make the "drivers side" spindle stronger if you machine down a grade 8 bolt and press it into the hole for the speed O cable through the center of the spindle.

 

[GrizzyDan]

Great idea with the grade 8 bolt, I'll do it.

Took a couple of days off but I got back to it today after picking 10 lbs of 6013 and built the hitch. Much more rewarding IMO than buying one. Paid for enough rod to finish this project and multiple others.

So here goes, building a similar setup to the one on my grandfathers ancient trailer (which has worked just fine for far longer than I have been around!)

With a torch or plasma cutter this would have went easier, but it's not our tools that limit us. Full pen back ground welds on the lower piece.

Always tack weld! I fully welded the pipe before realizing I needed another 3/8" but no worries, the ball doesn't ride on that area. Going to round the corners on the bottom plate so nothing grabs.

 

[GrizzyDan]

Still going to throw in a few more supports, yet this thing is already heavy enough to move around by hand. According to the log weight calculator.. this one weighs in at 1364 lbs, not bad for a first attempt. There was very little flex where the front 45's off to the hitch, but it made the mile long trip up a rather steep grade and 12 waterbars and only hit the ground twice. Next log I will center better and raise another few inches higher.

Now to drop some trees and get them to the mill =)