Metal thickness Q&A

[Truetroop]

Hey does anybody know the thickness they used on there ramp?
I have alot of 1.5x1.5 x 1/16th thick like 140ft, and i want to build another ramp. Also the slats that support the face What did you use for them size wise,and what is the best thing to lay down for the face, besides wood?

[RedBull]

and i got a question 2. how much metal do i need for a rev1 replica? sliders site says 180 of 1x1 and 180 of 2x2. thats alot of metal. but is that how much i need cuz im probly gonna buy my metal soon

[slider]

RedBull,
I have updated this on the http://fmxramps.com/ site. I no longer update the Metal Ramps page on the http://hessianaggression.com/ site.
It now states 120' of 1x1. You may use around 140' of 2x2 if you don't build a jig for the side rails. http://fmxramps.com/rev_1_materials.html
Also, I strongly advise to NOT USE WOOD for the top surface. There are several tricks to this and if not done, it will fall apart after only 10 hits.


Truetroop,
You can use 1.5x1.5 x 1/16" wall (.065) but you will need a lot more than 140'. With this size, I advise you to add almost 1/3 more uprights to support the smaller 1.5x1.5 stock.

For the cross supports, use 1x1's or 1x2's. I always recomend Rev.1 to be built out of .120 wall (1/8") but if you have a gas bottle connected to your MIG welder, not using the shielded wire and are a professional welder, you can get away with .065 wall. These are spaced every 12" from each other.

For the face (top) use 14 gauge sheet metal covered by 3/4" #9 Raised expanded metal. Full length on both and hundreds of welds holding them to the ramp. The sheet metal will help hold everything together. Less welds = likely broken cross supports, esp. with .065 wall. Be sure to put the expanded metal on correctly which means you will have to cut each sheet in half to get it to lay correctly.

Have fun and take lots of pictures. I will put up customers pages at the site with customers pictures and stories written by customers under the "customers" button.

[AndrewMx1]

truetroop, slider says on his site to use .065 wall size (thickness) tubing and thats fine for 1.5"x1.5" And if you notice in the picture the slats or supports is the same thing. Just make sure you add enuff supports though.

As for Red Bull just get 300ft. of 1.5"x1.5" .065 wall size if using mig. If arc use .120 wall size. That way you have plenty because believe me your gonna screw up somewhere the first time.
lates for now

[AndrewMx1]

slider beat me to it same time i was posting

[Truetroop]

Ya thanks alot slider and andrew, Slider i do have a professional welder helping me with this he has been welding for 30+ years So i should be able to get away with this 1/16th so ill just have to buy a bit more. Ya i will take alot of pics and post them as im going, but my welder dosent want to start until spring so i have to wait a bit. Im not gonna complain because im just glad that he is doing it for free. Il be shure to add more supports and take my time making shure the angle will match my jig. Thanks for the help soo far i may have a few more Questions later on But thanks for now:D

[NoFeAr FrEaK #101]

im not quite shure what mesurement you are all workin with but im thinkin its inches??? i duno alot about inches so is that anywhere near 1.6mm think? coz wen i went and got a price the bloke said thats the commin width. so u all tell me :)

[AndrewMx1]

1.59mm to be exact = 1/16 inch, but yes 1.6mm is what you need.

[NoFeAr FrEaK #101]

yeah though so, but thanx anywayz :D

[-426-]

Hey I have a question I'm just about done my ramp and I'm going to use this thick expanded mesh stuff for the surface. do you think its strong enough?? I have my 1x1s every 12 feet. it feels strong enough what do you think??

[crustyfmx250]

12 feet??? should be a support every 1 ft

[-426-]

yeah sorry LOL every 12" I ment to say

[slider]

Originally posted by -426-
I'm just about done my ramp and I'm going to use this thick expanded mesh stuff for the surface. do you think its strong enough?? I have my 1x1s every 12 feet (inches). it feels strong enough what do you think??

I don't advise it. What is there to keep the mesh from bending between the cross supports? Thick, thin... mesh is too flexible for me but I don't take chances with this stuff. My biggest fear is having a poor design and causing a rider to get hurt. At least put a 15-3/4" piece of sheet metal full length. 15-3/4" X 3 = 48", the width of the 4x8 sheet. One sheet will do you.

[vincemorgan]

i knew slider was gonna advise not to use wood, i bulit a ramp with his help and i didnt do the plywood right SNAP!!!!! it broke! now i have the sheet metal/exp.metal surface. THE BEST!!!!LOL rick!

[localboy]

hmmm.. I dont have sheet metal under my plywood. well im saving for expanded metal anyway.