webcraft
Well-Known Member
- W
The problem with most of the standard U bolts is that they are much narrower centres of the legs than most of the older (and probably custom made) items such as the OP has.
At a guess that looks like 3/8" legs at 2" centres and most 10mm legs are at 30-40mm centres.
They are at 2.5" centres
- W
Definitely custom made then. You will need to go up to M12 and then the centres will likely be 70mm.
Would make sense to have the legs metric with metric thread but you may have to enlarge the holes in the deck a bit.
Personally I would avoid having the deck-plate welded to the Vee because the characteristics of the Stainless steel are easily affected by the heat of welding - if not properly done. I would prefer something like this:
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Whatever your choice, your best bet re safety is to go for a manufacturer with a good reputation, even if more expensive, like Wichard.
p.s. check whether the 'U' or 'V' part is straight or whether it is angled. Sometimes they have a 5o angle to be more in line with the shrouds.
Personally I would avoid having the deck-plate welded to the Vee because the characteristics of the Stainless steel are easily affected by the heat of welding - if not properly done. I would prefer something like this:
![]()
Whatever your choice, your best bet re safety is to go for a manufacturer with a good reputation, even if more expensive, like Wichard.
p.s. check whether the 'U' or 'V' part is straight or whether it is angled. Sometimes they have a 5o angle to be more in line with the shrouds.
Going with 'a manufacturer with a good reputation' h m m m . . . the local metal shop I am using has an excellent reputation.
- W
That's OK.
Whatever I can do, I do myself, especially machining and fabrication. However, when welding of stainless steel or aluminium is involved I go to the engineering works of an old friend (have known each other for around forty years) who has some employees who are real experts. The only 'problem' I have is that he always refuses payment; that's when a bottle of single malt come in handy when later I pop in to say hello because I 'happen to be in the vicinity'.![]()
Bottles of single malt are my favourite currency
- W