Welding and Metalworking - Nesting steel columns
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Michael Thomas
05-23-08, 04:03 PM
I want to build a custom work surface supporting 250lbs that’s readily adjustable in height *before* loading.
To do this I want to find a source for round or square tubing that is sized to nest so that I can make adjustable columns (think steel 2-section “telescoping radio antennas” made from material with a 1.5-2.0” OD) that don't have much play between the sections (the column does not "wobble") at the joint.
In addition it would be nice if there were ready make locking collars or other adjustment mechanisms available, and if it was available with mounting plates already attached to one end (I'm not set up for welding).
I’m sure there must be such material available (I’ve seen it used for example in press benches) but I don’t know what it called or where to get it.
Any suggestions?
To do this I want to find a source for round or square tubing that is sized to nest so that I can make adjustable columns (think steel 2-section “telescoping radio antennas” made from material with a 1.5-2.0” OD) that don't have much play between the sections (the column does not "wobble") at the joint.
In addition it would be nice if there were ready make locking collars or other adjustment mechanisms available, and if it was available with mounting plates already attached to one end (I'm not set up for welding).
I’m sure there must be such material available (I’ve seen it used for example in press benches) but I don’t know what it called or where to get it.
Any suggestions?
GregH
05-25-08, 11:21 AM
What you are looking for is seamless tubing for the outer piece.
You would select a size of seamless tubing that would allow the inner piece to fit tightly.
An example of a common size matching and one I use often is 2"X2" square tubing to fit inside a piece of 2 1/2"x 2 1/2" x 1/4" wall seamless square tubing.
To make a locking collar for this you could drill a hole in the outer tube and weld a nut over the opening.
A bolt will then hold the inner tube.
Just make sure the inner tube is heavy enough to not be distorted by the bolt.
Or, you could drill holes to allow the use of a pin.
This would be a bit of an advanced project as it is tricky trying to get the four legs parallel to each other.
Oh........I just noticed that you said you were not set up for welding so my suggestion might not do you much good. :o
This might be a viable solution and at $140.00 is a real bargain.:
Click image:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/94800-94899/94822.gif (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94822)
Image courtesy of harborfreight.com
They have a heavier version (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41145) as well.
.
You would select a size of seamless tubing that would allow the inner piece to fit tightly.
An example of a common size matching and one I use often is 2"X2" square tubing to fit inside a piece of 2 1/2"x 2 1/2" x 1/4" wall seamless square tubing.
To make a locking collar for this you could drill a hole in the outer tube and weld a nut over the opening.
A bolt will then hold the inner tube.
Just make sure the inner tube is heavy enough to not be distorted by the bolt.
Or, you could drill holes to allow the use of a pin.
This would be a bit of an advanced project as it is tricky trying to get the four legs parallel to each other.
Oh........I just noticed that you said you were not set up for welding so my suggestion might not do you much good. :o
This might be a viable solution and at $140.00 is a real bargain.:
Click image:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/94800-94899/94822.gif (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94822)
Image courtesy of harborfreight.com
They have a heavier version (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41145) as well.
.
Michael Thomas
05-26-08, 05:46 AM
Yup.... that should work fine as a base for a custom made tilting top. Thanks!