Hi All. I am looking for a way to extend this hardware about two inches longer (between the holes on the right to the hooks on the left). Essentially, I need to increase the distance between my headboard and footboard by two inches. Can I pay someone to cut a new piece of steel (or any cheaper strong metal) to create two new pieces of hardware?
Should be a pretty easy cut on the plasma cutter. You’ll probably want to file the mating surfaces smooth so they don’t bind closed.
If you can generate a DXF drawing and are a member, I’ll help you. How thick a piece of steel do you need and how many copies?
If you are a member, Talk doesn’t realize it. You don’t have access to member-only categories because Talk doesn’t recognize you as a member.
To get access you should use the member profiles system. Dallas Makerspace members (primary or family/add-on) in good standing may request access to Members Only categories (e.g. Issues & Requests ) by following the instructions here:
https://source.dallasmakerspace.org/display/MB/DMS+Member+Profiles+System
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Hi Rich. I just signed up as a member (@brentmboyd7) just so that I can pay someone to create two copies of the bedframe hardware. I don’t have access to software to make a DXF drawing. Maybe I can bring you the original piece? I think the original piece is 1/8 inches thick.
You should cut a piece of cardboard to test the dimensions and shape of your proposed part. Pay particular attention to what has to happen to the slots and the outside shape and see if anything extends above the frame or interferes. Just “stretching” the image yields a variety of different results.
Then if you can do these things I can create the dxf file for you:
(1) scan the part AND your cardboard part
- normal 2D scanner
- printer in Common Room has a scan function
- or your own scanner if you have one
- I don’t know how to save a scanned file off the common room printer so someone may have to help you do that.
- It has to be a scan (not a photograph) if you hope to have it fit correctly. We wouldn’t know whether it’s perfectly orthogonal to the camera when the photo was shot.
(2) respond with those files attached here (they can be in the same file if you want)
You will also need to precisely measure the thickness of the metal to see what materials are needed. (Also measure the slots it goes into to see if there is some slack on the thickness). If you’re real lucky you might find something suitable in the scrap bin; else you will need to buy something.
And then perhaps @ozindfw can help you with the cutting.
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Hello John and thank you for the instructions. I have not come yet to the DMS location. Can I just show up and ask someone where the 2D scanner is or is there a required orientation class? What are the better and worst times to access this scanner?
The scanner is part of the common room printer.
I’ll be in Wednesday about 3 and available until 6. I’ll be in most of the day Saturday until 5.
You need to figure out how thick these need to be and buy some appropriate metal. I don’t know where you are so I can’t suggest someplace convenient. Home Depot, Lowes, or your hardware store are not a good choice. Metals 4U (
1240 Majesty Dr. Dallas, TX 75247) is one decent option. I’m guessing your part is mild steel. The exact type is probably not critical.
We can figure out what and how much you need when we scan your part.
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Hi Rich. Do you still plan to be at DMS on Saturday? I can meet you there in the afternoon. I have called Metals4U and will pick up four pieces of 4x4x1/8-inch steel tomorrow. I have drawn and cut the dimensions I need on cardboard. Do you think I might find four pieces of this steel in your scrap bin there instead of me purchasing it? It will only cost me $10 to purchase, but free is better!
I’ll be in Saturday. Buy twice as much steel as we need because there will be some some trial and error involved in cutting. And you only need to buy a piece. It’s large enough. You don’t need to get small pieces.
It’s unlikely we will find what we need in the scrap bin.
OK. I look forward to meeting you tomorrow early afternoon.
Sorry I had to bail on you.
Did you and Randy drill them out, or cut new ones?
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No worries Rich. Hope you are feeling much better today. We cut new ones with the right thickness. I put them on the bed frame last night and they work great! Thank you so much for walking me through the process.
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