Well, after reading some different ideas on the Front Skid Plate? thread, I said I was diving in. And I have. But as usual, the phone ringing, people stopping by, etc...
But I did start it and here we go. First I re-thought the whole idea and put some thought into Dandon's comment about my aluminum being too thin. He's right about using 1/4" or 6MM for stout hit anything strong. I try to keep my sights on trail, expedition type outings, so I didn't really get into overkill engineering. I stayed with the 1/8 plate T-6061 aluminum so I won't go bashing into some place I should not be with my 100.
I started out with a cardboard template so I could cut, tape, fold, and fit untill I had the basics down.
Next I punched holes in it and "bolted it on" to fit it a little more.
I traced out the final template over to the plate and then started cutting. I sure love that Sawzall, but the blades didn't last with the aluminum clogging up the teeth.
Enough for tonight, and I hope I can get the bends done tomorrow on a brake.
But I did start it and here we go. First I re-thought the whole idea and put some thought into Dandon's comment about my aluminum being too thin. He's right about using 1/4" or 6MM for stout hit anything strong. I try to keep my sights on trail, expedition type outings, so I didn't really get into overkill engineering. I stayed with the 1/8 plate T-6061 aluminum so I won't go bashing into some place I should not be with my 100.
I started out with a cardboard template so I could cut, tape, fold, and fit untill I had the basics down.
Next I punched holes in it and "bolted it on" to fit it a little more.
I traced out the final template over to the plate and then started cutting. I sure love that Sawzall, but the blades didn't last with the aluminum clogging up the teeth.
Enough for tonight, and I hope I can get the bends done tomorrow on a brake.