Sheetmetal Class 240717

[allenpitts]

Hello MakerSpace Talk,

Did a sheet metal class back in May 24 but had to leave in middle for family matter.

Would like to start again.

Is there anyone else interested in a sheet metal class?

Or is there a sheet metal pro that would help me out perhaps for a fee?

Thanks.

Peace.

Allen Pitts
469 713 4147

[Mrholthaus]

I teach sheet metal box classes every couple of months. I have done this for years. What exactly do you want to learn?

I am well versed in basic tools along with more advanced tools and techniques. From basic bending to metal spinning and metal shaping.

The box class handles cutting, bending and welding basics. I used to do shaping classes but interest was low and shaping car body panels is an advanced skill which takes time to learn. I would love to teach these skills but there are only a handful of members who would be interested in more than just basics.

As for metal spinning, I plan on putting some classes up in the coming weeks

[allenpitts]

Hello Max,

Your reply is appreciated.

A little context please:
I drive a Genesis G80 which
is a 5500 pound touring sedan.
The auto jack that Hyundai
provided with the car is
woefully under designed.

So a 2.5 ton Delco floor jack
was purchased and rides
in my trunk, photo attached.

But the cheapo plastic
box that the Delco jack
came in is disintegrating.

It was hoped that a box
for the jack could be
fabricated from sheet metal.
(I am a fairly accomplished
carpenter and wood worker
but I don’t think a
wooden box would fair much better
than the plastic.

A line drawing of the
metal box is attached
herewith.

We could do this as ancillary
to a class or if you are
willing, meet with me and
help me build the box.

If we do it one-on-one
reimbursement for your
excellent time and expertise
would be in order.

With hope that we can work something
out I remain

Sir,
Privileged to be,
Your humble servant

Allen Pitts
469 713 4147

Received: Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:20:00 AM CDT

[Mrholthaus]

I’ll be at DMS tonight for a bit. Most likely tomorrow evening and probably most of this coming weekend. Come find me.

Some considerations:

Do you want it painted/powdercoated?
If so buy cold rolled sheet

If not…galvanized or stainless is a good choice. Stainless is expensive though.

Do you have the material?
Coremark metals is the most reasonable in town but it’s kinda a haul. Home Depot and Lowe’s charge way too much. Metals 4u and metal supermarkets are a bit cheaper than hardware stores but more expensive than coremark. We don’t just have material at DMS for member projects.

A typical 4ftx8ft sheet of 20 gauge cold rolled is around $90. I wouldn’t go thinner than 20gauge.

[allenpitts]

Hello Max,

Purchased a 48” x 48” 18 ga cold rolled steel sheet
from Metal Supermarket 9140 Premier Rd. Dallas.

Coremarket was cheaper but it looks like it is in
Fort Worth so I paid the extra twenty bucks to
shorten the drive.

Will pickup tomorrow and go Dallas Makerspace.

Thanks.

Allen Pitts
469-713-4147

Received: Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:54:31 PM CDT

[allenpitts]

Hello Max,

Purchased 48" x 48" 18 ga cold rolled sheet metal
from Metal Supermarket 9140 Premier Road Dallas
yesterday, Thurs July 18.

Coremark was about twenty bucks cheaper but
it looks like Coremark is in Fort Worth so
would rather pay the twenty than make the drive.

Will pick up sheet metal
from Metal Supermarket and take it to Dallas
Makerspace today Fri July 19.

Am presently doing a line drawing of
the cut out of the two box halves
and will email to you today for review
and advice.

Thanks.

Allen Pitts
469 713 4147

Received: Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:54:31 PM CDT

[allenpitts]

Hello Max,

Sorry, sent you the same email twice.
Did not recognize the first post
so it was thought I had failed to hit
Send.

Attached is a line drawing of the
sheet metal cut out.

Since I am an architect and not
a sheet metal mechanic or draftsman
there is probably some defect(s)
in the drawing.

Please accept a request to review and advise.

Thanks.

Allen Pitts
469 713 4147

Received: Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:54:31 PM CDT

[Mrholthaus]

I’ll show you how to lay it out in solid works and cut it on our Cnc plasma cutter

[allenpitts]

Hello Max,

Have a family event this evening, Fri July 19, but
if you will be at Makerspace tomorrow, Sat July 20
perhaps we could visit them.

Thanks.

Allen Pitts

[Mrholthaus]

I should be there at some point.

[allenpitts]

Hello Max,

Sat July 20, 12:30 pm.

I am in the 3DFab lab.

Allen Pitts
469 713 4147

[allenpitts]

Hello Mrholthaus and DMS Talk,
Big shout out thanks to Max H. for guidance and counsel in making
an 18 guage metal box for the floor jack to ride in my trunk.

Now what is left is two hinge the two box halves and attach
a handle so the box can be picked up.

The hinges have been figured out.

Would like to put the handle on the long side of the box
centered between the length and width of the closed box.
But the center point of the width of the box is where the
two halves of the box meet.

May have to offset the handle as shown in the line drawing,

Is there a better solution?

Thanks.

Allen

[MTLmanglr]

Double handles, one on each side.
Stronger and better supported than one handle for a jack that heavy.
Look at luggage supply websites for the handles (avoid leather/plastic, only naked metal). Consider a backing plate for the handles and of course heavy duty latches.
Consider powder coating the box. Consider corner protectors, it will be dropped. Consider riveting the handles, latches and hinges. Solid steel rivets, not pop rivets. It has been a LOOONG time but I have most of the riveting gear (and some supplies) and can show you how…
Best,
Jim

[allenpitts]

Hello MTLmangir and DMS Talk,

Thanks Jim K. for the input on the auto jack box.

Some amplification:

1. “Double handles, one on each side.”
   First thought was to center two handles on the length.
   But, because the handles on the length intefere
   with hinge placement and the shorter dimension
   of the width would be less given to
   deformation beginning to lean toward
   double handles on the width. Drawing attached herewith.
   

   

2. “handle for a jack that heavy, only naked metal”
   

   

3 “Consider a backing plate for the handles”
A 18 ga. metal strap to increase the bearing
area of the handle fasteners on the box.
Spot weld 18 ga. metal strap to box.

4. 'heavy duty latches"
   Looking at three types.
   

   

5. Although the box will not be in the weather
   it would look better with a nice powder coat.
   Have signed on for soonest powder coat class at DMS
   Sept 10. Need to powder coat before applying
   hardware, so will be mid Sept before the box
   can be finished unless I can find someone
   to help powder coat.

6. “Corner protectors”. High density foam?
   Neoprene?

7. “Consider riveting the handles”
   On attaching handles latches and hinges.
   The method with which there is knowledge
   and experience is machine screws and nuts
   with locking washers through drill press
   drilled holes.

Thanks.

Allen Pitts

[MTLmanglr]

1. Both handles on the long side opposite the hinges.
2. An industrial version of “replacement metal chest handles”:
   
3. Perfect. But consider mechanical fastener instead of spot welding. Easier to repair, no welder needed and avoid the possible poor quality spot weld and failure if you use a a handle that is an alloy or coated in chrome.
4. low profile metal chest latches
   
   
5. Perfect.
6. Optional metal corner protectors.
   
   
7. Perfect.
   Hope this is helpful.
   Best,
   Jim