Um...layout with no level surfaces?

[fergus]

I want to build some sliding/bypassing doors for my garage. I have decided to build them with steel frames since it will be lighter than wood frame and much more rigid.

I've never welded/fabricated something this big. What's the best way to set this up/lay it out to make sure everything is square? My driveway is asphalt...and not exactly even. The floor in my garage is heaved and cracked concrete. I don't have a huge welding table. These frames will be about 5x7 each. Help?

 

[rickairmedic]

I would vote for concrete blocks and shims if your garage floor is roached . I do alot of larger layouts on my floor but it is reasonably flat. Another option would be jack stands but you may still need to shim to get things level.


Rick

 

[NASTYZEN]

I use two horses that I level out and then run two rails on top an perpendicular to them that I also level out.You can get a rather large area covered.Some times I even widen the horses by putting a long tube on top of them to get the width I need.

Good luck.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Builders square, a large one, a large level, tape measure, bricks and some shims, two people, no brainer. Might require a little muscle after your start tacking it together. Just take it slow and keep checking your work for level and square. Yes, it easy to screw up, so just keep checking while your going.

 

[fergus]

Thanks guys. Sounds good - I guess I've already got everything I need then. Now if the rain will just stop...

 

[Ign]

I like to use pipe stands. Gets your work up to bench height or beyond and of course infinitely adjustable. The Ridgids from MSC (or your Home Depot might carry them) are cheaper than all other brands I've seen, only difference I can see is Ridgid uses 1 1/4" acme while others use 1 1/2" acme. Either is good for a ton.

 

[Vernon Tuck]

I ditto pipe stands. Enough stands, a good long level, some squares and measuring tapes and you're good to go.

V

 

[t100]

we built 2 fixture tables last year at school using 2" square tubing, 3' wide by 12' long, that's 12 feet. it was done on the floor(90+ years old building), we used many aluminum shims, from .020 to 0.060 to level up the 4 sides, and clamped the corners with 3" angle iron piece. but, before tacking the corners, we temperately welded gusset plates across the sides to create triangulation. then each corner got 3 tacks, outside corner, inside corner and top, just to minimize the wrap.