How I Did It - Loft Support Beam

[Bib Overalls]

Made some significant progress today in my never ending shop remodel. With the help of my friends **** and Marty I got the support beam for the storage loft into position and welded up. This is an overview of the technique I used to fit the beam between the side walls and get a precise fit.

Horizontally I used 8" tall "junior" I-beams. The flange width is about 2.5" and the thickness is about .125". The end supports are 1.5" x 3" 11 gauge rectangular tubing. The center post is 3" x 3" 11 gauge square tubing.

Here is the trick. I did not cut the beams to a precise length. Instead, I rough cut them about 2" long. Then I scribed the I-beam profile on the supports and center post and cut out reliefs with a cut off disc. The picture below shows an I-beam to end support joint.


Shop Remodel 38 by Bib Overalls, on Flickr

Using this technique makes assembly much easier. Everything is self supporting. My friend **** and I (142 years of combined experience) put the beams up in less than two hours this morning. This evening my friend Marty came buy and stitched it all together in about 30 minutes.


Shop Remodel 39 by Bib Overalls, on Flickr

The floor joists cantilever over the beam. The finished loft will be about 7.5' x 30'.


Shop Remodel 40 by Bib Overalls, on Flickr


Shop Remodel 41 by Bib Overalls, on Flickr

 

[fitz11]

looks good!!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Damn good idea and for it's size, I'd say it'll work.

 

[richtersrodz]

Nice...

 

[Blackie94Gt]

Interesting approach. I would have welded shear plates to the columns, drilled the beams and bolted it up with two 5/8" A325 bolts at each connection. Your way should work too! Depends on what tools you have as to the quicker way. Nice job!

 

[38Chevy454]

That looks like a good solution to me. Notching into the side beans and then welding it all closed should be very strong and will not come apart. The loft will give some nice storage.