Building/Fab ideas

[Technic_569]

Hey Guys!

This year is my last year of high school (thank god....) and every senior gets the opportunity to take that last month of school off and devote the time to explore something new, build something, travel, basically dig deeper into something that we really enjoy doing. I really love building things (hense why i am on GJ) but i am really struggling for ideas on what to do. I have access to a full fledged shop, have halfway decent metal fabrication skills, mechanically inclined....

I am turning to you guys to throw out possible ideas of projects that would be worthwhile to do. The one minimum requirement is that i have to spend at least 100 hours on the project, but chances are i will spend more when i get involved!

Any ideas?

Oh, and i will defiantly keep you guys posted in may when this whole thing kicks off

 

[glsmaverick]

If you are into cars or trucks I would decide what your killer ride would be and build the chassis for it.

I have always wanted to do it and if you have 100 hours and decent skills its something you could pull off.

Examples would be a full tube frame rock crawler or a box and tube framed roadster or perhaps a pro touring chassis for a classic or if your an import guy why not do a full on roll cage in a gutted euro or civic or something.

 

[NASTYZEN]

How much money are you willing to spend on your project?Are you thinking automotive,structural, artistic??
There's a million and one things you could build......

 

[jagxl1]

Welding/fabrication table. You will use it the rest of your life.

 

[raley]

jag, i don't think that would take 100 hours...

id look into lo-cost style cars if it was my project. but yeah, what do the funds look like and in what field do you want to go? basicly what nasty ask.

 

[5lima30]

Build and design a garage for yourself! You will easily use up those 100 hours and lots of dollars and learn about several different trades (drafting,carpentry, masonry, electrical, etc).

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you stroll around here you can see various garages and several different work areas.

Maybe a custom work bench/tool box with drawers you have designed and built. Add into the mix a nice fab/welding table that will last you a lifetime. It would be very easy to use up 100 hours on the project from start to finish. Work up a design, layout and a build sheet would help you in the price figuring.

 

[jkm4874ford]

The options truely are endless. You might find someone in your area that need a storage building or a project for you school. I know here our marching band programs are always needing something built.

Heck design and build a custom trailer. You it to move around all those project you will have in the future.

 

[Technic_569]

Wow... I can't believe i didn't think of a trailer sooner. Thanks JKM It seems like the perfect project! I can make it as simple or complicated as need be depending on how things are looking throughout the build. I am thinking of a 2 place snowmobile/atv trailer.

So i am thinking the majority of it would be made out of aluminum (winter + road salt = tons of rust over time...). Or would i be better off with a steel frame? I am also thinking about an aluminum diamond plate top. I don't think this build would be overly difficult, but could be somewhat time consuming and rewarding

Any words of wisdom or advice?

 

[jkm4874ford]

We don't get as much snow as you guys by any means, so salt is not the issue. I like the strength of steel and lightness of aluminum. My deal would come down to exspense. The complexity of welding aluminum. Make a good plan and work the plan.

 

[martinm13]

Welding/fabrication table. You will use it the rest of your life.

jag, i don't think that would take 100 hours...

oh yes it can

build something like this....

 

[jagxl1]

You can burn 100 hrs awfuly damn quick. Especialy if you are new to things. Take your time and learn proper techniques. I wouldnt make something too big that needs to be rushed through and half assed, I think learning is your main objective with this project.

 

[raley]

If you are making a snow mobile trailer, and use aluminum, id make a bolt in board for the carbides on the skis, those things will tear up aluminum in a season.

 

[GarageEnvy]

I was going to suggest the trailer as well. It's the #1 thing I see from high school students in the industrial arts section of our local fair.

However, if you plan on going to college or are working toward a certain trade/profession, you might consider building something to put in your portfolio of work. I had a chance to do something similar in college and I chose to do an appraisal of the only real skyscraper in our town. It was not fun and looking back now, I made a pretty big mess out of the appraisal. However, it was an impressive enough task that it was one of the key things that landed my first job in the industry.

 

[skwirl]

Why not rebuild/refurb or add to a public playground. The city can provide the material and you provide the manpower. If you are planning on more education the college admin folks LOVE to see public service hours on you admission forms.

 

[koditten]

Build a car hauler trailer. Check out some of mine in my profile section. I would even send you some links on the construction of one.

KO

 

[bobadame]

How about an English wheel? If you have access to a CNC lathe that would be a plus. Otherwise Harbor freight is finally making some affordable, useable uppers and lowers. The frame sides could be cut out of plate or rectangular tubing. That's about 100 hours worth.

 

[Technic_569]

I think a snowmobile trailer is defiantly what i want to do. It will be very useful for storing my ATV and sled during college.

I have done some research on steel vs aluminum frames. It looks like if i was to go the all aluminum route it could get expensive quick. I don't think that welding the frame together would be a good idea, especially for a noob that has only a couple hours worth of experience migging aluminum (spool gun of course). Over time the frames appear to crack and if bolted together i would have to use all SS hardware. I guess the only drawback of a steel frame would be the weight and rust factor, but rust can be stopped by sand blasting and an epoxy based paint. Steel can be easily welded with a significantly less chance of stress cracking. I'm just kind of thinking out loud

 

[NASTYZEN]

If you go the steel route, you can have it galvanized dipped. It should out last you at that point.

 

[jkm4874ford]

Sounds like you have a plan. Now put it on paper. Sometimes the hardest part can be making the plan. Iif it is a good plan the build can be easy.

 

[Drisco Z71]

Might not hurt to check with your state regarding licensing a home built trailer. Also, I personally would want to build something big enough to fit a car on, but depending on your funds/experience/need for a car trailer you might be just fine with a smaller one.

 

[Herb]

A trailer would be cool. If you have a small tractor build a front loader for it. There are a few sites with some ideas and basic plans to do this. What about a fully polished stainless steel self standing stripper pole/ Oh, sorry, I just reread your post. Your not old enough to be looking at strippers yet.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you build a trailer for ATVs or sleds make it big enough for more than one if you can. Maybe a side ramp to haul a third ATV.

Add some stake pockets to put some side boards on if you want to haul some mulch or something else similar.