Wood vs. Metal racks

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Originally Posted by MDB

how much did you spend to build that rack?

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Honestly? You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you. I'll just say that it was probably about equivalent to what it would cost to build a melamine rack that size. Like I said before though, not everyone has access to the equipment that's needed. If you DO have access to it, the time and money spent building it is well worth it.

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Originally Posted by RichardA

Chris, that rack is SICK!

I love it!!!!

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Thanks Richard, it's probably one of my favorite things to show off that I've built. The only thing I don't like about it is it's SO freakin' heavy. One of these days I'd like to make one from aluminum.

have you got more pics ive been working on something like that myself

ehh I think Im gonna give it a shot and build one, thanks for your input and the kcik in the butt it took to get me to build one:gj:

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Originally Posted by nixer

have you got more pics ive been working on something like that myself

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Not at the moment, but if there's anything in particular you're looking for just let me know.

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Originally Posted by MDB

ehh I think Im gonna give it a shot and build one, thanks for your input and the kcik in the butt it took to get me to build one:gj:

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Glad to hear it, you won't know unless you try. :gj:

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Originally Posted by BallPythonMan

because making wood racks is alot easier to do and it is also cheaper. Plus not everyone has a welder just laying around

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Agreed.

Cheap SMAW. $300.
Oxy Acetylene torch, plus tanks, plus gas $450.

Hand saw $10
Hammer $6
Sand paper $3
Stain $5
Nails ,,,

Well ya get the point.

Now I do have a pretty decent setup in my shop. If it is made of metal, wood or plastic, I can build it. But IMHO nothing looks better than a carefully hand crafted chunk of wood furniture (Rack, etc).

M00kfu I can't see your picture. But it is probably because of the proxy here at work. I will take a look at it when I get home.

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Originally Posted by m00kfu

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...ady/rack-1.jpg

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Chris, Are you able to take each level off or is it all once piece? What materials /thickness did you use? I know a guy local to me that could build something like that as long as I knew the specs of the materials.

Thanks for any help.

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Originally Posted by Typical_08

Agreed.

Cheap SMAW. $300.
Oxy Acetylene torch, plus tanks, plus gas $450.

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actually you want a mig welder!
you dont want a torch!

grinder with a cutoff wheel/ portaband/metal cutting bandsaw
a sheet metal brake
a sheet metal shear


but i cant begin to figure how much my welder has saved me and alot of ppl i know

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Originally Posted by nixer

actually you want a mig welder!
you dont want a torch!

grinder with a cutoff wheel/ portaband/metal cutting bandsaw
a sheet metal brake
a sheet metal shear


but i cant begin to figure how much my welder has saved me and alot of ppl i know

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SMAW provides a stronger weld (IE, a $300 Lincoln 120 can handle using 8020 rod where as a $600 dollar MIG with the same amperage can only produce a weld with a tensile strength up to 70,000), and you can use it outside (I really do not like flux core), so I stuck with my SMAW. I’ve done everything from TIG to submerged (not to be confused with underwater) and thermoplastic. For piddling around the house, making simple projects and doing some minor structural work, the SMAW is IMHO the most cost effective and better all around. And if you are good with a torch, you can make clean cuts, and it is not only cheaper, but takes up less room when your shop consists of a 12 foot by 12 foot shed.

But to each their own. We all have our preferences. :)

Chris,

I'm very curious about how you made the top of each section. Is it metal with holes drilled in it, stretch plate, Plexi...? A close up photo would be great.

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Originally Posted by Typical_08

SMAW provides a stronger weld (IE, a $300 Lincoln 120 can handle using 8020 rod where as a $600 dollar MIG with the same amperage can only produce a weld with a tensile strength up to 70,000), and you can use it outside (I really do not like flux core), so I stuck with my SMAW. I’ve done everything from TIG to submerged (not to be confused with underwater) and thermoplastic. For piddling around the house, making simple projects and doing some minor structural work, the SMAW is IMHO the most cost effective and better all around. And if you are good with a torch, you can make clean cuts, and it is not only cheaper, but takes up less room when your shop consists of a 12 foot by 12 foot shed.

But to each their own. We all have our preferences. :)

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dude we are building racks not skyscrapers and its not 8020 its 8018 either way (cliped from lincoln's site)SuperArc® LA-90 is our premium copper coated, low alloy MIG wire manufactured to meet tensile strength requirements of 80,000 to 90,000 psi (552-620 MPa) minimum. The addition of 0.5% molybdenum provides strength after stress relief. Ideal selection when welding ASTM A182, A217, A234 and A335 high temperature pipe, fittings, flanges and valves and A336 pressure vessel forgings. Best mechanical properties are achieved with an 98-95% argon, 2-5% oxygen shielding gas blend.
they also have higher strength than that.
i said mig not fcaw
and id like to see cuts in 16 gauge or less with a torch without major warpage!
around the house most ppl would weld usually thin metals typically under 1/4 inch.

on another note ive been welding for along time and ive been certified since 96 with gmaw tig smaw pulsearc fcaw by both the AAR and AWS. im a union ironworker used to be a union boilermaker and i have a degree in Metallurgy and used to build railroad pressure vessels.