Hi -

I am completing what is essentialy a gate. My plan is to use weld on barrel hinges. It is a gate with a bar top that opens to allow the host behind the bar. the gate is only 4 feet wide, and is 1.5" thin wall square tube on the perimter with 1" square horizontals.

Any advice, tips or tricks?

Thanks!

Jim

The hardest thing is trying to keep them aligned while welding. I usually tig all my barrel hinges to keep heat and material input under control. I also usually will keep both halves together while welding them up.

If you can clamp the hinges to a straight edge that will help but a lot of the smaller hinges are a real bitch to clamp onto anything. One thing to look for when buying your hinges, if you haven't already, is get the type with a lobe on one side of the barrel. This allows you to locate the hinge center off of the gate and post just enough so that the barrel halves are not rubbing on the finished surface adjacent to them.

I got nothing other than here is a site with TONS of different types of hinges.

I like to look through it sometimes as they've got some neat hinges that give you ideas for projects.

http://www.hardwaresource.com/Store_ViewCatLevel3.asp?Cat=132&OrderID=

The ones my supplier carries are the 'lobed' ones. I have used them before with OK results, but this is not a utilitarian project - its a bit of a show piece.

I unfortunately do not tig at this point. More jobs like this and I will upgrade.

Thanks,

Jim

Tig isn't a necessity, it's just a luxury. They can be mig'd just fine and prettied up with a grinder afterward if need be.

Have you considered using a decorative strap hinge? Here's a link to King's Supply (http://www.kingmetals.com/Default.aspx?page=category%20search%20results&CatList=32150&Parent=934&tree=921*Gate+Hardware+934*Decorative+Hinges*32150 @@) Something along this line would be much easier to position, clamp, and weld than a barrel hinge. It will look more decorative as well.

I went through the King book - the aesthetic is all wrong on almost everything they have - this is a very crisp, clean look. Barrel will be good.

One other thought: I have all the gate pieces cut. The other side of the hinge is on a 15" side panel that is complete except for finish grinding. I was wondering if it would make sense and be easier to at least tack the hinges on to the vertical member before I fab the gate panel. That way I am only dealing with aligning a single stick instead of a 4' square panel that will weigh 50 lbs.

If you do go that route, just make sure you clamp the hell out of your one stick before you weld. I've trashed some good material and work pieces before by getting in a rush and not clamping before welding hinges on to the final gate or post. Talk about an aggravating thing at 1 in the morning when I'm already thinking I'm done.