Bi-fold gate build.

[KimB]

Are you using some kind of maginifier or fish eye lens on your camera or is it just me.

Nope, it’s just my iPhone 7 that I’ve had for a few years now. Same camera for all my pics.

 

[sako243]

Doesn't your manual have an installation guide? Like this one for the FAAC 400 RAMs: https://faac.blob.core.windows.net/...0v-swing-gate-operator/400-732871-revb-en.pdf

If you remind me of which ram kit you have I can work through the maths to get you some rough dimensions. The easiest way for final adjustment would be to fix a heim joint / rose joint to the end of the ram so you can adjust the final bits.

 

[sako243]

The other way might be to put a bit of threaded rod, something to bolt the ram to and a couple of lock nuts on the back of the gate if you didn't want to / can't modify the end of the ram.

 

[KimB]

The other way might be to put a bit of threaded rod, something to bolt the ram to and a couple of lock nuts on the back of the gate if you didn't want to / can't modify the end of the ram.

Sorry, I know about the actuator I mean the mechanism that moves the second part of the gate.

 

[atomant48]

Really nice job and giving me lots of tips for my gate. How did you cut those slots in the flat bar? I can see the 2 vertical cuts but across the bottom? Thanks!

 

[KimB]

Really nice job and giving me lots of tips for my gate. How did you cut those slots in the flat bar? I can see the 2 vertical cuts but across the bottom? Thanks!

So I scribed them all out and then cut the sides with a jigsaw, I was going to do the back bit but it was just wrecking the blades, I got my plasma cutter out and had them all cut within a few seconds. Then ground them mostly to size and filed the rest.

 

[atomant48]

So I scribed them all out and then cut the sides with a jigsaw, I was going to do the back bit but it was just wrecking the blades, I got my plasma cutter out and had them all cut within a few seconds. Then ground them mostly to size and filed the rest.

Plasma. Hadn’t thought of that. Nice. Another one for the list.

 

[KimB]

Plasma. Hadn’t thought of that. Nice. Another one for the list.

Haha that’s what I’m like, get an idea and then have to buy it.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

So I scribed them all out and then cut the sides with a jigsaw, I was going to do the back bit but it was just wrecking the blades, I got my plasma cutter out and had them all cut within a few seconds. Then ground them mostly to size and filed the rest.

You need a milling machine in your life, Kim.

 

[KimB]

You need a milling machine in your life, Kim.

That’s the first on my list when I’ve done my garage

 

[sako243]

Sorry, I know about the actuator I mean the mechanism that moves the second part of the gate.

Ah OK I get you now.

Do you have some ballpark dimensions (and guestimates for the weight) of the panels?

The closer you tuck the actuators and linkages into the hinge the greater the forces required. So although the "ugly" mechanism you posted is that it does have the benefit of providing extra leverage.

 

[KimB]

Right, opinions on bracing this gate. Currently with no supports it’s a bit flexible. Any ideas which would be best. Some 45 angle pieces in the left hand corners like the first pick? That would stop it bending down I guess. Or diagonal cross bits like the second pic

 

[sako243]

This is quite a neat design but does require some gearing for it to work so not sure how it would hold up outside:

 

[atomant48]

You need a milling machine in your life, Kim.

Me too. And 2 weeks ago I was about to press on a bunch of new equipment. Right now I’m sitting here thinking I’d better not. :-(

 

[KimB]

Ah OK I get you now.

Do you have some ballpark dimensions (and guestimates for the weight) of the panels?

The closer you tuck the actuators and linkages into the hinge the greater the forces required. So although the "ugly" mechanism you posted is that it does have the benefit of providing extra leverage.

I meant like it just looks ugly to the eye. I have some plans on how I want to do the joints but as I say I’m not sure how to work the measurements out. I’m not good enough on CAD to do it
I’ll measure it in a little bit if that’s okay
Thank you.

 

[sako243]

Regarding bracing I'd have thought the second one would be much stronger but I'd put some lightweight steel in there (could probably get away with 20x20 box).

 

[KimB]

This is quite a neat design but does require some gearing for it to work so not sure how it would hold up outside:

I did see that design but it’s no good for me as I’ve already made the hinge with standard hinges. Like on a normal door (but weld on ones)

 

[sako243]

I’m not good enough on CAD to do it

If you send me some dimensions I can mock it up in CAD for you, probably easier to fiddle around in that than work through the maths.

To be honest there's probably shortcuts to it (like I saw some simple questions in the FAAC kit) but I'd end up having to do it from first principles with some trigonometry (do you remember SOH CAH TOA from school?).

 

[KimB]

If you send me some dimensions I can mock it up in CAD for you, probably easier to fiddle around in that than work through the maths.

To be honest there's probably shortcuts to it (like I saw some simple questions in the FAAC kit) but I'd end up having to do it from first principles with some trigonometry (do you remember SOH CAH TOA from school?).

Vaguely, I use to do a lot of trig during my apprenticeship with cutting tool tips etc but even then I still can’t remember it all as I had to do some working out not long ago. Messed it up haha.

 

[sako243]

Do you have some Lego lying around that you can build a scale model ?