Is this possible?

[thebuccs]

My cricket club want to fabricate some sightscreens out of box section steel.

Something like this:
http://www.johnjaccricketsupplies.com/content/photos/screens/Light Mesh Sight Screen.jpg

Thing is we don't have anybody experienced with a welder.

Is it possible to hire a MIG welder and do this or is it not a DIY job? We were quoted £1500 per screen by a fabricator which we just can't afford.

Obviously we don't want to waste time and money buying in the steel if we shouldn't be trying it!

Thanks

 

[Bigjoe]

I would think that those would be quite straightforward to build, what part of the uk are you in? someone on here may be able to offer some help or guidance.

And welcome

Joe

 

[thebuccs]

That was quick!

Just for info we are based in West Devon.

 

[Hitch]

Weve built cricket screens in the past, not a lot to them tbh. Have you asked the fabrication people to do the basics, the rest you do, like drilling for the boards, paint etc...

 

[thebuccs]

We just asked for the frames to be built but galvanised - we were going to cable tie white mesh onto the frame for the actual screen. It seemed really expensive!

We have already got a lot of the metal from old cricket covers so we thought we might have a go ourselves.

 

[rtbcomp]

Apart from hiring a welder you've got to learn to use it, would that be worthwhile for a one-off? Have a good read through the tutorials to see what's involved.

There could be quite a bit of stress in the structure in a wind and your insurance may be a bit sniffy if there was an accident.

 

[oz.]

They look like you could make them without a welder, just a bit of thought and some decent bolts.

 

[Paul.]

A friend of mine built some for his club using Kee Clamps, They work quite well.

 

[Welderpaul]

Probably cheaper in the long run to get a fabricator to make them for you. Go to a gate/railing manufacturer - they have probably got lower overheads and could probably do the work a bit cheaper than some of the big boys.

 

[rory1]

i gave a boy in work a hand to make up some practise nets using keyclamps and galv hand rail, it was plenty stiff enough once we added a few cross bracings.

as tig paul says, im sure this job could be attempted in the same way.

 

[Crossy]

Sight Screens

You could try this lot as I know they are doing a deal on them at the moment.

http://www.cricketsightscreens.co.uk/page/cricket_sight_screens

Failing that then I would recommend the key clamp solution. We use them for our nets and they are great. They also allow for dis assembly for winter storage.