Equipment Stands
To strut or not to strut? The economic reality in most cases tends to favor structural steel. By the time you purcase all the special hardware , feet, and brackets, the cost comparison gets interesting. Unistrut is typically a punched coil of steel that is cut to length and roll formed. Angle, channel, plate, and tubing present an economical alternative in most situations. Many unique stands are required in water and heavy industrial work that simply cannot be made from strut. Having in house capability of producing these stands and racks definitely gives a competitive advantage.
The Tools
- Horizontal Band Saw
- Wire Welder
- Iron Worker
- Drill Press
- Sheer
- Brake
- Turret Punch
The Best Practices
- Safety first, unless experienced in their use, the above tools can be dangerous.
- Invest in journeymen metal worker and welders that can operate and do setup safely.
- Most areas offer certifications for welding.
- Buy the best tools that make economic sense and keep them maintained by authorized personnel.
- Structural steel shapes typically come in 20-21 foot length minimizing waste.
- Unistrut in 20 foot lengths can also be used to minimize waste (ie 4' strut trapeeze).