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New Member Ontario GTA

@code-guy - I can't weld for shit, so I bolt a lot of stuff together.

Yes, welding is better than bolting. But mass is king. So bolt or weld, but make it heavy. 2 or 4 heavy things bolted together is waaaay better than one light setup.

Oh yes, and use a torque wrench with torque charts. They really do matter.
 
Many years ago - structural steel connections were all riveted.
Today they are either welded or bolted. Each has its advantages. The specifications & procedures for either method will be very detailed. A structural bolt that has been torqued properly is normally specified as a single use component.
As a simple example - a cable clamp must be:
1. torqued to its specifications; and
2. never reused.
 
CWret said:
As a simple example - a cable clamp must be:
1. torqued to its specifications; and
2. never reused.
Click to expand...

@code-guy - CWret is correct for the example he gave. But I don't think he meant to scare you. MOST bolts can be reused. It all depends on their application, specifications, and safety usage.

If you follow the torque specs in Machinery's Handbook or most fastener guides, you can re-use most of them. Some of the subtleties are the torque required to stop the connection from coming loose, the type of torque applied (dry, oiled, etc), the clamping force required, and the application force cyclicity - to mention just a few.

For your case (and mine), bolting it together with good choices on the fastener size and location, you can just use the standard torque charts available almost everywhere.

If you are comfortable about welding, I really like the advice to use gusset plates that can be cut apart later if needed.
 
CWret said:
Re: bolted mill stand

Welded joints are generally more rigid than bolted connections. But IMO - multiple bolts with gussets plates can match the rigidity of a welded connection.
Also - you could fabricate (TIG or MIG) most of the stand in the garage and then TIG weld it together in the basement. If doing this: don’t do it when your wife is home and design the welds so that a you can easily cut them with a grinder cut off wheel if necessary.
Click to expand...

@code-guy please remind me to take some pics of my bolted stand that my mini swiss made mill is on. It is rated for 5000 pounds or so. I recommend such over a welded stand if you need to have machines in your basement.

Mine is made from 4x4 legs with flanges welded to each end. The lower flange has a monster caster bolted to it, and the upper flange bolts to the top.
 
CWret said:
Sure - it would be nice to renew our acquaintance - send me a PM if you are going to be in Burlington and hopefully I’ll be around.
(Bring along your brother)
Click to expand...
It is really hard to get Tom to be available. But I'm out in the west GTA often enough. I'll PM you
 
Susquatch said:
@code-guy - CWret is correct for the example he gave. But I don't think he meant to scare you. MOST bolts can be reused. It all depends on their application, specifications, and safety usage.

If you follow the torque specs in Machinery's Handbook or most fastener guides, you can re-use most of them. Some of the subtleties are the torque required to stop the connection from coming loose, the type of torque applied (dry, oiled, etc), the clamping force required, and the application force cyclicity - to mention just a few.

For your case (and mine), bolting it together with good choices on the fastener size and location, you can just use the standard torque charts available almost everywhere.

If you are comfortable about welding, I really like the advice to use gusset plates that can be cut apart later if needed.
Click to expand...
Indeed. I use a torque wrench more than most people I know. I'm still using the first torque wrench I bought long ago.

Even though I looked into a TIG welder a few years ago, I never picked one up. I'm not a great welder but I enjoy it and would like to improve. This discussion has prompted me yet again to consider one.
 
TorontoBuilder said:
@code-guy please remind me to take some pics of my bolted stand that my mini swiss made mill is on. It is rated for 5000 pounds or so. I recommend such over a welded stand if you need to have machines in your basement.

Mine is made from 4x4 legs with flanges welded to each end. The lower flange has a monster caster bolted to it, and the upper flange bolts to the top.
Click to expand...
Thanks @TorontoBuilder . I'd would be very interested to see pics of your bolted stand.
 
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