Basket Maker

[usmcruz]

I used a busted up harbor freight pipe notcher that was taking up dust, and modified, and brought it back to life as a basket maker. This took me about 3 hours, which is one more hour than it should of took me, but alcohol was involved! by the way, forgive the crude barbarian handle, I was eager to try her out, but didnt have nothing heavy duty enough so I did what any welder would of done, and grabbed the heaviest piece of metal I could find, and welded it on! Well here you go.

[DougAustinTX]

That's cool looking. I had no idea that twisted metal bulging decoration was called a basket. Good creative effort!

[tapwelder]

Nice. Great job repurposing that notcher. Is the handle that welded sheet metal.

[usmcruz]

Originally Posted by tapwelder

Nice. Great job repurposing that notcher. Is the handle that welded sheet metal.

Yeah, its actually a 1/4" thick plate of stainless steel. Im making the real handle tomorrow.

[usmcruz]

Thanks allot guys! I enjoy this stuff.

[rabidchimp]

Right on. I didn't even know how those things were made, til now. Thanks!
-Aaron

[VPT]

So you take 4 bars and twist them together and then untwist them a bit?

[killdozerd11]

That's neat...i like it

[usmcruz]

Originally Posted by VPT

So you take 4 bars and twist them together and then untwist them a bit?

Thats correct, but you tack weld them first.

[weldermike]

Not bad bro, but not to be a buzzkill but it looks really crooked, and the ends are not square. Did you do this cold? Try some heat, and blow that center out a little more. I know there a pain in the butt with the 1/2bar, trust me.

[usmcruz]

Originally Posted by weldermike

Not bad bro, but not to be a buzzkill but it looks really crooked, and the ends are not square. Did you do this cold? Try some heat, and blow that center out a little more. I know there a pain in the butt with the 1/2bar, trust me.

Yeah I did it cold, and it took some force. You supposed to turn these things heated? I can see how they would be allot easier to make preheated. As for that first basket, I turned it, then turned it back to see if it was ready to open, then turned it the other way, etc... It was just a test run, but I will heat up the next one tonight, and post my results. By the way, your not being a buzz kill, I welcome constructive criticism.

[Bistineau]

Originally Posted by weldermike

Not bad bro, but not to be a buzzkill but it looks really crooked, and the ends are not square.

He did say ALCOHOL was involved, so go easy, considering the circumstances, it turned out pretty decent. Looks like several folks learned something already, including myself. That was obviously just the first test run, so the next run ought to be better with a reduction in the ALCOHOL, maybe maybe not. Those are 1/4" square rods aren't they, not 1/2"? Those look like 1/2" drive socket extensions.

[weldermike]

Originally Posted by usmcruz

Yeah I did it cold, and it took some force. You supposed to turn these things heated? I can see how they would be allot easier to make preheated. As for that first basket, I turned it, then turned it back to see if it was ready to open, then turned it the other way, etc... It was just a test run, but I will heat up the next one tonight, and post my results. By the way, your not being a buzz kill, I welcome constructive criticism.

Glad to hear. Your reults with some heat will be great!

[usmcruz]

Originally Posted by Bistineau

Those are 1/4" square rods aren't they, not 1/2"? Those look like 1/2" drive socket extensions.

Thats correct. 4, 1/4" mild steel square stock fits a 1/2" socket extension perfect. After you tack weld them together, you will need to hit it with a flap wheel to get them to fit into the socket again.

[BD1]

Originally Posted by Bistineau

He did say ALCOHOL was involved, so go easy, considering the circumstances, it turned out pretty decent. Looks like several folks learned something already, including myself. That was obviously just the first test run, so the next run ought to be better with a reduction in the ALCOHOL, maybe maybe not. Those are 1/4" square rods aren't they, not 1/2"? Those look like 1/2" drive socket extensions.

ALCOHOL INVOLVED- How long to make ??? 6 BEERS ??????

[Ron Padilla]

The baskets are generally done cold so with out heat, I have 2 basket makers that perform the same function. The baskets are neat to use for a wide variety of items. the tools that are made to perform the function usually have long handles that allow for more leverage eliminating the need for heat. If there are to many twist's applied the metal will collapes in on itself, I found that out the hard way.

Ron

[weldermike]

Yeah Ron, they can be done cold on the smaller stuff, I thought those were 1/2 bar. Once you get into making them on the larger side the heat definatley helps. Still gotta finish this one, gonna be a coat rack made all the pieces just gotta finish. 1in square.

[usmcruz]

About how many turns of the handle do you guys do.

[usmcruz]

Originally Posted by weldermike

Yeah Ron, they can be done cold on the smaller stuff, I thought those were 1/2 bar. Once you get into making them on the larger side the heat definatley helps. Still gotta finish this one, gonna be a coat rack made all the pieces just gotta finish. 1in square.

Looks real nice.

[VPT]

Neat stuff! I like the use of the extension!

[Ron Padilla]

for the heavy stuff yes some heat would help, as to how many turns I havent counted and I just did one about a week ago but it would be one to one and a half, the of cours you have to back it up to open the bars to form the basket. the last one I didnt weld either when I was done with twisting them I took them apart to use each as a single leg on a toiletry try so that the customer could keep all their combs ect in one place.

[usmcruz]

I used heat on this one tonight, and hot damn, so much easier. I also think it turned out better than the first, though its hard to tell from the picture. Im definately gonna invest in a portable forge.

[Reebs]

I love it I never knew that was how it was done.
You must be a bad *** (USMC) or something that seems like it would take a lot of force or leverage.
More pictures please I want to make something similar

[usmcruz]

Originally Posted by Reebs

I love it I never knew that was how it was done.
You must be a bad *** (USMC) or something that seems like it would take a lot of force or leverage.
More pictures please I want to make something similar

The first one did take some force, I had to put the stank on it!

[usmcruz]

I put a real handle on it. Its actually the pipe for the jack to my harbor freight pipe bender. Im definately using heat for now on.