Elswhere in the forum I mentioned that I was in India recently.
Part of my task there was to build a drying plant for food stuff.
After spending much time before the trip trying to find a sheet metal shop to make some of the parts over there, it was clear that would be too expensive or they replied that they didn't have the capability... So the decision was made to train local people and to build a folder with them whilst I was there.
What was required was a 4 foot wide folder with an operational capacity of 1mm thick sheet steel. Most of the work would be in 0.6mm gal sheet and perforated sheet. Almost all the folds were going to be just simple 90deg bends, but the design of the drying trays required box folding. These trays will be handled a lot and are expected to sustain wear and damage and would be replaced at intervals. So I decided to modify the simple folder to accommodate just the dimension of the trays to enable folding these completely.
Since worktables are a rare commodity and my back doesn't bend like it used to for very long, we also build a sturdy work platform to mount the folder to. It will be used for laying out the rest of the work and later for processing, with the folder detached.
The design was as easy as I could come up with. It consists of 3 pieces of 4"x4"x1/2" angle, 1" bar for hinges, G-clamps for tightening the top bar which is held in place by fixed stops.
The setup has proven to be not only successful but also more capable than anticipated. It took 3 days to build - along with teaching two people welding and general steel fabrication skills. Oh, and making some inroads towards using PPE without being prescriptive - just using some of it myself most of the time :) and occasional lighthearted reminders. Pretty difficult when working at above 40 deg in the shade....
IMAG2277.jpg IMAG2278.jpg IMAG2285.jpg IMG-20150612-WA0002.jpg IMAG2298.jpg IMAG2304.jpg IMAG2305.jpg
Once completed, a whole lot of perforated trays were cut and made (after I developed the pattern and left one unfolded with all folds marked). We also folded all the runners for them in 0.8mm gal aheet and some doors (no photos sadly). Much of the rest of the construction were welded RHS frames with flat panels which were just cross-broken.
20150627000216.jpg IMG-20150614-WA0013.jpg 20150627000245.jpg 20150627000359.jpg 20150627000802.jpg 20150627000955.jpg 20150627001014.jpg
I loved the 'tin snips' I saw and bought in Bangalore. I had no idea they were available this big.... Very easy to handle and follow lines for long cuts. I now want a pair for my own workshop. Next trip....
The whole assemly is not completed, but as progress continues, I might put up some more photos in this thread.
Part of my task there was to build a drying plant for food stuff.
After spending much time before the trip trying to find a sheet metal shop to make some of the parts over there, it was clear that would be too expensive or they replied that they didn't have the capability... So the decision was made to train local people and to build a folder with them whilst I was there.
What was required was a 4 foot wide folder with an operational capacity of 1mm thick sheet steel. Most of the work would be in 0.6mm gal sheet and perforated sheet. Almost all the folds were going to be just simple 90deg bends, but the design of the drying trays required box folding. These trays will be handled a lot and are expected to sustain wear and damage and would be replaced at intervals. So I decided to modify the simple folder to accommodate just the dimension of the trays to enable folding these completely.
Since worktables are a rare commodity and my back doesn't bend like it used to for very long, we also build a sturdy work platform to mount the folder to. It will be used for laying out the rest of the work and later for processing, with the folder detached.
The design was as easy as I could come up with. It consists of 3 pieces of 4"x4"x1/2" angle, 1" bar for hinges, G-clamps for tightening the top bar which is held in place by fixed stops.
The setup has proven to be not only successful but also more capable than anticipated. It took 3 days to build - along with teaching two people welding and general steel fabrication skills. Oh, and making some inroads towards using PPE without being prescriptive - just using some of it myself most of the time :) and occasional lighthearted reminders. Pretty difficult when working at above 40 deg in the shade....
IMAG2277.jpg IMAG2278.jpg IMAG2285.jpg IMG-20150612-WA0002.jpg IMAG2298.jpg IMAG2304.jpg IMAG2305.jpg
Once completed, a whole lot of perforated trays were cut and made (after I developed the pattern and left one unfolded with all folds marked). We also folded all the runners for them in 0.8mm gal aheet and some doors (no photos sadly). Much of the rest of the construction were welded RHS frames with flat panels which were just cross-broken.
20150627000216.jpg IMG-20150614-WA0013.jpg 20150627000245.jpg 20150627000359.jpg 20150627000802.jpg 20150627000955.jpg 20150627001014.jpg
I loved the 'tin snips' I saw and bought in Bangalore. I had no idea they were available this big.... Very easy to handle and follow lines for long cuts. I now want a pair for my own workshop. Next trip....
The whole assemly is not completed, but as progress continues, I might put up some more photos in this thread.
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