Planning a Reverse Flow

[fagesbp]

Does 1/2" cold roll in 1/2" sch 40 pipe make a fairly solid hinge? Looking at it from a dimensional standpoint, it looks like it would leave about a 1/16" gap around the bar but I don't know how that will translate to application. Seems kinda sloppy.

[Big T]

You definitely don't want any slack in your hinges. I use 5/8'' round bar and some bushings that I get from the local co-op.

[fagesbp]

Since I'm too broke to buy steel, I just keep drawing my smoker. I'm also not confident enough in my fabricating skills just yet. A few more small projects first

[fagesbp]

I'm trying hard to find some kind of tube and bar combination that is readily available and cheap enough. DOM seems to thin, pipe too sloppy, bushings expensive, tube stock wrong id's... Maybe it's just 1/2" thats hard to match. I'll look at 5/8. Thanks

[Gizmo]

Grab some 5/8" all-thread and a couple 5/8" nuts. Try welding the nuts (with the rod already threaded through them) to a panel and a couple tabs to the rod that are welded to another panel then when you swing the 2 panels the nuts actually travel through the thread slightly over the 90 degree travel of the 2 panels. This design will work best over the long haul if you completely cover it with white lithium grease after it's built and working - stops the rust. This design might not be the "look" you were after and it takes a little patience to build, but the slop is nearly zero. If you have a tap/die set you can eliminate the nuts and thread your own tabs - just don't forget the grease when you have it all working.

[Pete Mazz]

Cool idea! Maybe just a coupling nut and the all-thread?

[Rodcrafter]

I prefer three pieces of plate all shaped the same stacked on top of each other and clamped then drill an 3/8" hole in them. Then separate them flip the center one around and put a 3/8" bolt in the hole and snug down the nut. There is really no slack and it will last forever. You may have to replace the bolt after 10 years or so. I hope you can see how this works. If not I'll make a thread about it with picks.

[onesquin]

Just buy them for 4-8 bucks each online. All my doors lift right off the hinges. They work great. Worth the money.

[fagesbp]

The reason I want to find something with a very close fit is because I want to use the same bushing/bar combo to go through my doors for the internal latches. I do see what you're saying rodcrafter. The 2 outer plates would be welded to the smoker cc itself and the middle welded to the door or vice versa.

[Rodcrafter]

That's right

[onesquin]

Fastenal sells 1/2 shaft collars that I use like crazy and are relatively inexpensive. They hold on my spring handles and I can remove them for cleaning. They allow me to remove handles from internal dampers. I weld them to doors and handles to help the operate better. But I buy hinges for doors. I can't make something better for the same money.

[Xasp61]

This is how i did mine. six inch strap hinges . Will look good after cleanup and paint. No slop at all.

[fagesbp]

I want to be able to get a long tube and long rod and cut all my bushings and hinges from it

[Rodcrafter]

It is a little hard to find the right size pieces though

[Big T]

I spent a while looking also with no luck.

[lester]

I cannot believe what I'm seeing! That woman is welding barefoot! I am such a wus. I guess I better break out my kerosene rags.

[Rodcrafter]

Easy does it Lester