J W Bennett

First off Thanks to everyone who has replied. I am checking into the legality of the trailer axles. They have a tag on them that rates them at 6,000 lbs and seem to be heavy and well made. This is the fourth trailer I have made but the first tandem trailer. the others were motorcycle trailers. 2 were to carry 3 motorcycles at a time and one small one to pull behind my motorcycle for camping and such. I have used trailer axles on both the cycle carriers with no problem. But those I built in the early 90's so I will check to see if Indiana law has changed. Henry the axles will mount directly under the 4x4 box beam frame rails using a 60/40 ratio. Sorry the pdfs aren't real clear and don't show any details. Ed, I will definetly have to replace all the brake copmponents and at least repack all the bearings if not replace them. The axles sat in the pasture I bought them in long enough that the brakes are frozen to the hubs. I will give them a good going over and once I find out if they are legal for new construction I will decide what to do. I plan on starting on the frame Thursday. I have been looking at dovetails and ramps on other trailers and think I have a basic plan on those. I also intend to make my own fenders too. I priced treated 2x8's tonight Ouch:( once again thanks for all the input. It makes a person consider things they might otherwise have overlooked. JWB

I've been scrounging the material to build an 18 foot tandem axle trailer most of the year this year. Last spring I bought 6 mobile home axles complete with springs and 2 also had brakes for $50. I kept 0ne pair and sold the others. I came acroos some 2"x2"x1/4" square tubing in August. there were 10 pieces 7'4" long and quite abit of short pieces 4' and less. Two weeks ago I also got quite alot of 4"x4"x1/4" square tubing from a factory that was tearing out some old eqipment. Any gussets or crossmembers were bolted on. No welds to cut and clean up. Just to throw this out there here is my plan. I am going to use the 4x4 for the frame and the 2x2 for crossmembers.I will be using treated 2x8's for the decking. The trailer will be 6'6" wide x 16' long with a 2' dovetail. I realize it will weigh more than an angle iron trailer but it will also be stronger. For the savings of the cost of buying a complete trailer the extra weight is acceptable. A rough calculation is about 1300 lbs once complete. I am attaching a PDF of a cad drawing I have made of the trailer. I will be using the trailer mostly to haul metal and scrounged treasures, possibly a car or truck once in awhile. Does anyone see a problem with this design that I have missed. Or any suggestions toward the design of the trailer. Any input would be appreciated. JWB trailer1 Model (1).pdf trailer1side.pdf trailer1.pdf

Nice work Jeremy!

I believe Glenn also has a couple of examples in the blueprints that are used for gauging stock thickness when working metal. I like the wrench set and have a set hanging on the side of my forge table. Do a search on the BP's and I'm sure you'll find them. JWB

The bridge is finished. The ribbon cutting was October first. I have more pictures coming including some pictures of the eye bolts I had the priviledge of forging to fasten the tie rods to the abutments. Forged from 2" round stock salvaged from the original tie rods. Those picture were shoot on film so I will have to get them developed. Here are some of the last digital pictures I took. It was a great experience volunteering to work on the bridge. The fact that I had the chance to do some smithing for it was an added bonus I had not counted on. JWB

I have 2 victor journeyman sets that I have had for years. Used to carry one on the truck and keep the other in the shop. They have both served me well and as others have stated you can get parts and supplies at about any reputable welding supply. A victor is well worth the initial cash layout. JWB

I feel fortunate after 30 years in welding/mechanics/electrical that I still have all my fingers,toes and eyes in proper working order. When I look back at the injuries I have inflicted upon myself it has usually been the result of getting wrapped up in a project and not taking the time to properly protect myself. Whether it be not grabbing a pair of gloves real quick or trying to get that last bit of weld ground down with a well used wheel. Not putting the proper supports under a heavy piece or not putting on a pair of glasses for a quick slag removal. The list goes on and on. We as professionals all know better and indeed have probably corrected others for the same things. But how many of us can honestly say that we don't take chances from time to time. I'm not as bad as I used to be and feel that I have came to a more cautious approach the hard way. Those lessons tend to stick with us longer than lectures and sermons. I'm sure there are lot's of first hand experiences among us to share with everyone. Not just what happened but also in hindsight what could have prevented the "accident". Wheter it be use of the correct tool, correct PPE, a better attitude or maybe stopping an hour earlier. Let's not forget the long term injuries from abusing our bodies. I have had knee and back surgery because when I was younger I wanted to prove I could hang with the big boys. I did and now we exchange names of doctors that we've had success with. I sure proved alot there! Sorry about the soap box but share your mistakes and maybe someone will read it here and think before they repeat our mistakes. JWB

Matt, You aren't crazy there was a good thread started but it was lost in the same system crash the original thread on Fly presses was lost in. If you look at dates most everything from the last of march to the first part of june was lost. JWB

I thought I would take a moment and update everyone on the progress of the bridge. The two sections were set on the foundations Aug 28. The last oak flooring was laid today. The south section is ready for the roof and walls. The burr arches are still being installed on the north section. Once they are complete then the rafters ang side girts will be nailed in place. If the weather holds the bridge should be complete by the Bridge festival mid October. I have included some pictures I took yesterday. JWB

Irn, Some how this post slipped past me till tonight. Thank you for sharing with everyone. Being an old jarhead myself I've read alot about Iwo Jima and the memorial...But never from this perspective. Once again Thanks. JWB

Thomas, I like that Idea. I happen to have a set I saved from a broken wrench in a junk box. Thanks for sharing. JWB