Chassis Cradle

[Greg]

A chassis cradle seems to be a great idea. Anyone ever build there own? Do you know where to get plans or just buy one?

[sportster4eva]

If you're into woodworking you could probably copy this pretty easily.
I made a dirt cheap very simple one out of 4 pieces of wood and six screws.
Search the forums for related threads, and hit google too.

[img:550:229]https://amptechtools.powweb.com/cradle1.jpg[/img]

[selloutrr]

It's a simple build, if you aren't handle with tools weber sells them it took him 3 months to ship it to me but they aren't very much $.

[Structo]

Here are some plans for that type cradle.

I built one, but the one I made uses lazy susans which I don't recommend.
The chassis do to it's uneven weight distribution because of the trannys, wants to flip over.
This type with either the fixed arms or adjustable arms is better.
But make sure you have enough clearance underneath for trannys and tubes.

[M Fowler]

Thanks Structo that plan will work rather nice since I was meaning to build one but never did.

Mark

[drhulsey]

... Anyone ever build there own?

I was jealous of those who had one, so I built this one.

[M Fowler]

Tim,

Nice, clean, functional and simple, but I do not recognize the round bottom clamps they seem to be of the same manufacture as the hand clamps. Home Depot or Lowes?

Mark

[Greg]

Were they part of the Millennium Falcon? cool, resourceful and creative. Does it get better than that.

[drhulsey]

... I do not recognize the round bottom clamps...

Mark,
I used a WIlton Multi-grip Clamp.
http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-60685-Mult ... B0000AQK8R
I fastened it to the end of the aluminum extrusion which I get from 80/20 Inc.
http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage- ... esstQQtZkm
The clamp has stops around its circumference. I took those out of the right hand clamp so the chassis could be turned with the left clamp only. The 2 ends of the cradle are connected by a 1/2" rod. The length of chassis you can put in it is only limited by the length of the rod. It seems to hold the chassis quite stable.

Were they part of the Millennium Falcon?

Quiet Chewie will get pissed if he finds out

[M Fowler]

Tim,

Thanks for the information.

Mark

[dehughes]

I am coveting that amp cradle...

[drhulsey]

I am coveting that amp cradle...

It was ridiculously simple to build. Thinking up how I wanted to do it took a little more time, but my brain is a little slow

[dehughes]

I am coveting that amp cradle...

It was ridiculously simple to build. Thinking up how I wanted to do it took a little more time, but my brain is a little slow

What was the total cost of it?

[greiswig]

Nice, flexible design. Good thinking! How is the extrusion fastened to itself on those angles...did you weld it, or are there 45-degree channel connectors or something?

[drhulsey]

... What was the total cost of it?

The clamps are $25 each on Amazon.com now. I find the quick-grip easy to tighten while maneuvering a chassis. I had thought about making the grip pads wider, but it seems to be very stable as-is. The extrusions probably another $20. The 1/2" rod came from Lowes. The upper arms were one piece with a 45 on each end that I cut in half. It was already drilled for the T-slot attachment to the lower arms. You certainly could weld it, if you had the know-how. The 1.5" extrusions are overkill. It could be done with 1".
These extrusions are the handiest thing since pocket protectors I've built guitar stands, stools, computer tables, and a table for my wife's Big Green Egg. 80/20's ebay site sells the company's overstock and used items. You can get items very economically if you don't mind the wear and tear on the used stuff. It's just a big Erector Set
VERY MANLY