MLJHow should I attack a 5inch diameter metal rail to a wooden support? I've built a PVC rail before but I feel as though I won't be able to put a screw through this as easily.
Has anyone done this before? I would stick with the pvc but it is starting to crack and chip along the sides.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Do you have a tube already?
First DON'T SCREW IT DOWN. IF you're using a big tube you can secure it but definitely use some good bolts. Just drill a hole the side of your bolt through and toss a washer on the other side so it doesn't get pulled into the wood. You can just bolt it on the ends and be alright.
IF you don't have a tube already you might be best going with a couple 2" tube rails like pvc. I think you can snag 10' lengths at home depot and lowes. 10 or so years ago the last time I bought any it was like 45 for a 10' length. Idk if you get down with shotgun rails but that would be a pretty solid way to roll if you do. Having 2 side by side you could bolt them together in addition to bolting them to the frame and it would be rock solid, no side to side movement. For bigger lengths I've only gotten things through larger orders from companies so I'm not sue if you can buy like a 15' in a store somewhere or not.
The advantage would be that you'd have a metal rail with out needing to buy rent or find somebody with a welder grinder etc. IF you know somebody that welds or have access to one that might be your best bet. Could make shit bomb proof.
Def focus on making a good frame though. IF you're putting steel on it you might as wel have the frame proper. Once you frame out the outside, cut some vertical supports to the spot not on size and leave them just long and pound them to vertical with a mallet or hammer. Doing that will make it so much more solid. Before you even put screws in those they'll be set. Do that and add a couple cross braces and you'll have a super fucking solid frame without needing any jenky bracing.
Idk, hope some of that helps.
Sorry for the wall O text
