Frame Warp

[hugh]

another way to minimize warp is to space your welds out. I,ll explain. First you set your frame level, we will assume its its either tacked or bolted together. You start with a small 1 inch weld in one corner, then proceed to the opposite ends other side and do the same, then back to the first end where you add a 1 inch weld to the other side. It,s similar to the process of torqeing down say head bolts on a motor, done this way should cause minimal twisting of the metal from the heating and cooling, the trick is patience.

[crazycyclist]

Set the frame on cinder blocks under the garage door frame. place a 4x4 across frame. set a bottle jack on top of 4x4 . cut a 4x4 to fill in the space from the bottle jack to the garage door header.

Alternately, you could put just 4x4s between the door header and the frame and place your jack(s) under the end of the frame and jack up the end with the same effect and and easier setup.

[sleepercatcher]

The garage door method worked perfectly! I didn't have anything to tack the frame down, so my family assisted by sitting on the opposing corner of the frame.


SC

[sleepercatcher]

I tried the 4x4 method. It worked like a charm. Had to use three family members to counterbalance.

[crazycyclist]

I'm glad to hear it went well for you!

[Carter]

I built one last year and used 4 "Dead Man" rollers with some 2/4's and it ended up square and level. I just spent the time to weld small amounts at opposite sides and kept checking it. Guess I got real lucky. Nice having it up at a reasonable working height, I did some of the welding sitting in a cheap plastic lawn chair. Getting ready to start another one and will use the same process. We'll see what happens

Jim

[aggie79]

I built one last year and used 4 "Dead Man" rollers with some 2/4's and it ended up square and level. I just spent the time to weld small amounts at opposite sides and kept checking it. Guess I got real lucky. Nice having it up at a reasonable working height, I did some of the welding sitting in a cheap plastic lawn chair. Getting ready to start another one and will use the same process. We'll see what happens

Jim

Not to steal the thread, but did I remember correctly Jim that the frame you showed was your first welding project with your new welder? Looks great by the way.

[Carter]

Yes, that was the first one with the new toy. The wife is not keen on downsizing to a true tear. I sold it last fall to a gentleman that had a Torque Flex the correct width. I still have the Flexiride half axles so I am starting another one for the practice. I'll try to lighten it up and maintain sufficient strength. Going to register at the local community college this week for the first of 2 classes to get GMAW certified. Retirement looms and I will need something to do. I've built lots of frames at work but it was easier to keep them straight on a 12' long cast steel welding table with hold downs and a guy that welds every day. Doing it the garage on cement blocks or 2 x4's requires a bit more finesse but uses the same principles to keep it square and true. On the one above I burnt in #3 crossmember before I decided to add #4. it took the careful application of a 4x4 and bottle jack to get it in place.

Jim