Machined aluminum sources
 

I Need 6 of these knuckle set ups to weld in my tower legs to make it two piece.
Any sources, or better ideas?
Does not need to fold like this so that may simplify it. Just needs to be removable.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/ac38166a.jpg

is that a solid piece that you need turned down to spec? do you have the stock or would you need to buy that too. my bro in law and uncle work in a machine shop I could ask them for you.

I found these at Atlantic tower. This is basicaly what I need. So I can cut the tower legs and be able to reconnect them.
But over 700 bucks For 6 of them is a little steep

Tower Parts - Breakaway/Hinge Fitting for 1-1/2" pipe - Atlantic Towers
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/13df0fbd.jpg
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I'll make you some for 699.95:) What you willing to pay:drool:

Piece of cake Mike. Send me a PM and we will discuss.

Pm sent Paul.
It's ready to cut. Possibly using the inside pipes on the ladders as a hinge tk fold the whole thing back?
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/400092c6.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/36859daf.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/2e89860d.jpg
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Don't think hinging back possible Mike.
2 different angles on the back legs of the ladder will not work.

Just the smaller "inside" legs only. Outsides will breakaway as will fronts.
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Got to agree with Ron Mike. I think they will pinch and not allow easy swing back and down. Even the larger ones on back are at an angle and may cause the same situation. Maybe you should do a little mock up out of wood and same angles and see if it binds up. Worse case you make all 6 just connect and disconnect but that top part is going to be heavy and the pounding I would imagine will be pretty good. You feel comfortable it will hold up using 12 bolts?

The entire tower is bolted to the boat with only one bolt in each of the four small front feet. And the back legs are simply thru bolted thru the gunnels. Not even backing plates. It doesn't budge or shimmy at all.
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thats good then for what you want to try I would think and after looking at the top you want to cut off it doesn't look too heavy:)

could be modified something like this.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/02ce0d29.jpg

it needs to be hauled home Every year over the road without the project of completely removing the tower each time. The piece I cut will be about the size of ronnies bolt on tower and that wieghs 125#
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so two guys stronger than i could take it down easy enough and lay on back deck. That would be easiest, cheapest solution IMO. Above new pic would require some new frame welding and such, but also possible. Much to consider.

Bringing the boat home for the winter?

Yep they want almost 2grand to keep it at the marina. I want it here at the shop so I can tinker.
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"Tinker"
That doesn't sound good!
We've seen the results of you last 2 projects and your "tinkering"

:rotf2:

how true!!!!
:rotf2::rotf2::rotf2:

Hey first one was aborted due to divorce fire sale second was pushed out of the driveway to make room for this.
Lessons learned: youR soon to be ex values your stuff at alot higher then you do, so dump it all for dirt cheap.
Second: your dream projects vary greatly from year to year. Puddle jumpin at 45 knots in an open skiff soon gives way to a 17 knot lazy stroll with the heat on.
Next ......
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:rotf2:

Well played sir

Mike:

If you can't get it done with the help already offered here.
My machinist here can help out. Won't be as pretty as those in the pic, but comparable.

I can make sure he has some free time, but you have all winter.

Remember to use marine grade Aluminum 5000 series (5052 is common). That grade is more pricey than the regular stuff.

Just a thought.

How about a simple insert that goes deep into each pipe bolted through. Not as pretty but simple and cheap (no welding)..
If its really long it will be very rigid.

That's what I did for a boat we trailered. If you know how pipe staging is put together then you know what the pins need to be like. You might be able to turn them on almost any lathe if you make them from aluminum.

I have a machine shop in my new shop. Let me know if I can help
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It's all shrinkwrapped for the winter It will have to wait until spring.
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If your thinking of rotating it down like that pic, if won't work cause' your trying to hinge and rotate angled frame parts.. It wont work unless the hinges can rotate in one or more sides of the tubes. If your just disconnecting and removing no issue. Food for thought while you "tinker"

So we chopped that thing off like nobodys buisness last December and tossed it in the back deck.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/b71c17bc.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/3932b63c.jpg
drew up some plans and sent them to professor Paul to machine the parts.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/a6aae4e1.jpg
had to modify the forklift abit for more height
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/265a6921.jpg
my solution to the hinge angles. I leave the lower bolt in to act as the pivot point. This hole is overdrilled larger than the bolt because it won't work otherwise. It's a 1/4" bolt in a 5/16" hole so it can turn slightly as it rotates. It clamps down so no gap I left it loose for pic. Works pisser!!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/6048708c.jpg
block & tackle to the stern cleat.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/e9b95e07.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/78001b33.jpg
I had to relocate the two rodholders on the inside ladder legs and tweak/modify/bend the upper post on the rocket launcher. That will be taken care if when the welder comes to weld it all together neatly.
This is one of the front legs.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/a3b9c17a.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/25d3311b.jpg
now I can mount the controlls and steering back together and get back to work on the railings.

I folded this down and back up bye myself with a block and tackle and a few ropes in about half hour. With three or four guys it will be efortless
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...k/2619ee32.jpg

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awesome Mike glad it all worked out for you.

Wow ,

Vb

Nice work Paul!

nice work indeed.