Thinking of doing a DIY build for a tower stand frame. Don't need it tall, only about 8' to the floor. What would be better to use for something like this between aluminum structural shape or aluminum pipe? What grade material? Need it to be especially light....and strong. Don't want it to fall down or collapse from material selection. I could live with my welding being a cause of failure!

Shape/pipe size and thickness opinions appreciated as well.

Thanks.

Any grade would work but most pipe and extrusions are 6061 or 6063. If you were wanting to bend the pipe get 6063, it bends without splitting. Stay away from the 3000 series it would probably be too soft for what your doing. I would say either 2x2x1/8 or 3/16 sq tubing would be okay. Or 1 1/2 - 2" pipe would be okay.

But that's my opinion! See what others say.


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Will schedule 40 pipe be stout enough or do I need to go schedule 80? Still trying to balance weight vs strength.

It needs to be light...in the same breath...I don't need to be taking a fall, either!


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I would think with x bracing schedule 40 would be enough.


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What's your overall plan?

You making an entire box stand like 4' x 4' and plywood skin or just a leg frame for an existing box?

Either way I would use

1 1/2" x 1/8" sq. tube legs (all way from ground to roof) then
1.5" x 1.5" x 1/8" angle for entire frame, ladder, etc.

And sq tube for some X bracing be plenty strong and plenty light and cheaper than pipe will be.

Leg frame with small platform with handrails. Platform will be approximately 50" wide x 30"-36" ' ish deep. 8' tall to the platform. Base needs to be ~60" deep x ~68" wide. Still thinking through the details on the design to make it do what I need it to do. But, I think I have all the bases covered. I have it drawn up on paper already so that I can do material take-offs. I probably should just pay somebody to build this for me....probably get done WAY faster than me doing it....and probably much better!

It has a very specific location that it will need to fit and be secured.

I wish I could weld....

I don't pick up a tig torch. All the welding I do is mig. It's a pain to figure out but looks the best.


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