how to build a frame jig?

Ok the info is probably somewhere on the site and I'm probably just searching for something by the wrong name again so I am just going to ask.


for those of us who are shoe string budget minded hobbyist that work in our garage or yard (not big shops with fancy tools) what is the best way to build a jig to build a new frame?

I have been debating weather to use 2x8 channel or build form 10ga plate , but think the plate would be easier to shape to the 1.5 ton chevy truck frame specs if I can come up with some type of JIG ........ I know one of ya'll must have done this before How do you make your jig ? Are there any threads of pictures of the jig build?

 

Best one I ever worked on was just two pieces of H beam on some legs made from 3" well pipe with flanges that bolted to the floor. There were lugs in the floor and you could make it about 3 different widths.

Oh I haven't tried searching but some of the fellas call them a frame table.

 

I went through this same issue when I started to build my model T roadster. If you search the HAMB and Google under frame table and you will find many varieties. I finally built mine out of 3 1/2 by 3/16 wall square tubing. I used the table to mount the T frame and then mounted the T body on the frame to do all the metal work and now I am modifying a model A frame. Here's couple pics...

 

Check this thread out.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=577892

 

Every piece of equipment ELPolacko builds is like fine art. Looks almost too purty to use

I've been wanting to build one myself now that I have a bigger shop.

Ed

 

porknbeaner,
I have been searching frame table and that seems to be the proper name or correct tool but I don't think that is what I was thing about . I swear I have seen some built a wooden Jig to build a frame for plate material .


Blind Elwood,
that's a awesome build , but that table probably would not even fit inside my garage and the $1800 in materials cost just seems counter productive for a one time use type thing that basically would get junked after I build my frame

 

If I understand what you want is a JIG to fabricate frame rails on? check the tech section I believe there is one there on building 32 frame rails?

 

yes want to fabricate a new frame , I'll check there thanks

 

I work w big steel everyday
That being said I would never build a frame jig out of channel - angle - I beam or H beam.
Only tubing is strait and true enough for that job.

 

MrMike,
that's the thread I was thinking of thanks

 

Here's mine, free-to-me structual unequal channel from a dumpster.
Pay no attention to the non-traditional stuff.
==========================================

 

a man who knows his steel.

 

if I only had dumpster like that around here ...lol

 

Well put and correct sir!
I built mine out of 12 in I beam >>>only because I used square TUBING on the adjustable crossmembers where the chassis sits.

 

Sure that’s perfect.
The thing I always find w I beams is … one side is never square with the other.
The stuff is fine for just working off one of the flat sides.

 

We only build one frame every year or two, so we really didn't want a huge frame table taking up valuable shop space. Ours is made from some C channel that we can stand on it's side and shove against a wall when not in use. It would be nice to have legs on it so it would be at a better working height, but for our purposes it is fine.

We have been kicking around picking up a long piece of big I beam and making adjustable arms off of that, but we have just never gotten around to it.

Don



One thing I do like about ours is that it can be flipped on it's side to do horizontal welds on the sides of the frame, simply by picking it up with the gantry.

 

Don that's great insight for this thread. Don't get me wrong that table that the link went to is amazing but must of us don't have the room or the use for something that big. The pic of ours is really what is usable and practical for us who are dedicated hobbyist! Thanks for posting!!!

 

Don,
Just curious, did you notch the rear crossmember, where the driveshaft went thru?
Or did it run above the crossmember? Nice frame work there.

 

I made mine from 2X4 3/16ths wall? and has 1" allthread adjusters for the legs. The big thing about the jig is taht it has to be as simple as possible, then you tack weld the special 'features' to it for particular tasks.

 

Thanks Pitman. Yes, the crossmember is notched so the driveshaft can run above it.

Don

 

looks good

 

Work like this and some of Casny's, ElPolako, Sibley, Littleman...would sure be the pics to show the Dutch legis's about the knowlege base and devotion to the craft. Functional art this is.

 

It can be done with 2x4 studs and mdf or good plywood. That's how many locost seven replica frames begin, mine is within 1/16" flat and true. you can drill a hole in the mdf and bolt anchors down, then use long all thread to go left/right and start tack welding.

It doesn't have to be complicated, check this out.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299105

 

years ago in one of the car magazines there was an article by Art Morrison on how to build a frame jig out of 4x4s,2x4s, and 3/4 plywood, to put one of his frame,rollcage, kits together. a buddy built one and it turned out pretty nice for home built, did a good job of holding everything square, etc. If somebody has that old magazine with the article, may be helpful. I'm thinking it was around late 70s, to mid 80s.

 

Is the wood strong enough to keep the metal from pulling out of shape from welding ? It is amazing how steel will distort unless really clamped down tight.

Don

 

How about a big truck frame for the main structure? I imagine one could be had for not much $.

 

as well as I can remember, it was used to keep everything square, and the joints were just tac welded while in the jig., I can't remember what the article said, but I'm sure it wasn't meant to be fully welded in the jig, due to setting the jig on fire.

 

you can weld a little here, a little there and go slow if you are concerned about warping. less time total than trying to make a perfect, flat, heavy steel frame table.

 

ya'll need to practice welding thin sheet aluminum for boat hulls after you get the hang of that you don't give steel warping a second thought ....lol

 

As a matter of fact I am eyeballing a set of Alloy frame rails right now!!!
I think they will make a rigid, light jig... Straight no bends.. so long I can cut to length, riveted X-members, etc... Now the haggle over price begins...Lol