Pull down the File menu and print
Step One - Baseplate
- The baseplate is made of a 12 inch square type 6061 T6 aluminum plate that is 3/16 inch thick. It was
obtained from www.onlinemetals.com. They sell small quantities and at reasonable prices. This
particular type aluminum is harder than pure aluminum and less likely to bend while being resistant to
weather. U-bolts are used to attach the spreaders to the baseplate.
- A square base floor flange normally used for handrails is used to mount the center post to the base
plate. This floor flange can be found at numerous places on line. Search Google images using the
term "handrail floor flange" to find sources.
- Stainless steel hardware should be used to minimize corrosion. Lock washers should be used;
otherwise movement of the hexbeam by wind and rotation will eventually work the fixtures loose.
- You can save yourself the trouble and buy a base plate identical to this one with flange and U bolts
from Ron, W4RDM who builds and sells them on his web site at www.hexkit.com.
This is 6061 aluminum plate
3/16 inch thick and 1 foot
square.
3/16 inch thick and 1 foot
square.
The plate can be cut with a
hacksaw by hand or by a
reciprocating saw with a metal
cutting blade. A piece of
board and clamp are used to
hold it all steady for cutting.
hacksaw by hand or by a
reciprocating saw with a metal
cutting blade. A piece of
board and clamp are used to
hold it all steady for cutting.
Measuring and marking the
hexagon. Click for details on
how to do this.
hexagon. Click for details on
how to do this.
A metal hole saw and a hand
operated drill can be used to
cut out the center hole.
operated drill can be used to
cut out the center hole.
The arrow will help you stay
oriented as you install the wires
later. Drill 5/16 inch holes to
attach the square floor flange
to the baseplate.
oriented as you install the wires
later. Drill 5/16 inch holes to
attach the square floor flange
to the baseplate.
Click these photos to enlarge
The baseplate and center post are
shown here on a temporary stand for
the remaining assembly of the
hexbeam.
shown here on a temporary stand for
the remaining assembly of the
hexbeam.
The holes for the U bolts are
carefully cut where the lines
have been measured.
carefully cut where the lines
have been measured.
The center post will fit snugly
through this floor flange. These
things are normally used for
hand rails and many
companies sell them. Just do a
google search for images using
the term, "base floor flange" or
some such words and you will
get a lot of vendors. Check
eBay; I found some on auction
there.
through this floor flange. These
things are normally used for
hand rails and many
companies sell them. Just do a
google search for images using
the term, "base floor flange" or
some such words and you will
get a lot of vendors. Check
eBay; I found some on auction
there.
The finished baseplate with
the U bolts in place.
the U bolts in place.