how do you make metal tube mounting points?

[muibubbles]

Sorry if this is a dumb question... I always wondered how the metal tube mounting tabs were made (tube with a cap with a hole in it) is it simply welding tube to a flat piece of metal then grinding off the excess? or is there a faster/proper way?

Here are some examples of what im talking about...

thanks!

 

[racingtadpole]

Your mostly on the right track, except you cut the flat to suit so there is no grinding required. The bolt holes are usually drilled before welding as most of the things made this way are fitted to a jig for welding.

 

[Big-Foot]

I usually use large steel washers and weld them either just inside the tube or on the bottom of the tube. Grinding is not necessary nor desired if you are a good weldor.

 

[slow50]

ive used washers too but depending what is for some times you need thick plate.

 

[Big-Foot]

A plate/washer any thicker than the tube you are welding to it is overkill in my opinion... But it's whatever gets the job done.. The last one I did like the examples shown was done with .125 DOM tubing and washers the same thickness.

 

[383 240z]

Depends, Usually I weld plates inside the tubes, One time because I was hiding from the wife, I turned them on the lathe then welded them into the project while in a jig. Keith

 

[muibubbles]

interesting... so i assume most of you are cutting the "flat circle" portion with a whole saw? that way the center of the circle is already drilled..

anybody have pics of their work? id love to see em!

 

[twopints]

a "bucket bush",

machine from solid in a material compatable with what you are going to weld on to it