Ropeman
Member
- Messages
- 22
I'll be starting on a new set of bumpers for my Landcruiser soon and I'm in two minds as to whether to use rectangular structural box or flat stock welded up into a box.
My rationale for each option:
Prefabbed box:
-Easier, much less welding involved.
-Known quality of the box section, I'm a beginner at welding.
Flat stock welded by me:
-Able to get the exact size I want (not available off the shelf in a structural box).
-Easier to cut - there are going to be two holes right through the bumper for tow points) both to length and for penetrations.
-Left overs will be more useful, it will make sense to buy full lengths so I'll have a small pile of bits left.
If I make it myself, I'll have a bumper of box section with the dimensions:
130x60x5mm thick weight of 14.92 Kg per Metre
Off the shelf will be either:
120x60x5 at 13.3 Kg per metre ( a bit too small, really)
or
160x80x5 at 18.8 Kg per Metre which is too big and heavy.
I could also weld a thinner section into the bottom of my DIY box bringing the weight down to 14 Kg per metre.
Would you think it's possible for a beginner (with a Portamig) to weld a box well enough after a bit of practise and do you think it's worth the effort?
All opinions welcome
My rationale for each option:
Prefabbed box:
-Easier, much less welding involved.
-Known quality of the box section, I'm a beginner at welding.
Flat stock welded by me:
-Able to get the exact size I want (not available off the shelf in a structural box).
-Easier to cut - there are going to be two holes right through the bumper for tow points) both to length and for penetrations.
-Left overs will be more useful, it will make sense to buy full lengths so I'll have a small pile of bits left.
If I make it myself, I'll have a bumper of box section with the dimensions:
130x60x5mm thick weight of 14.92 Kg per Metre
Off the shelf will be either:
120x60x5 at 13.3 Kg per metre ( a bit too small, really)
or
160x80x5 at 18.8 Kg per Metre which is too big and heavy.
I could also weld a thinner section into the bottom of my DIY box bringing the weight down to 14 Kg per metre.
Would you think it's possible for a beginner (with a Portamig) to weld a box well enough after a bit of practise and do you think it's worth the effort?
All opinions welcome