Log arch design question

[NCDiesel]

I have a nice MIG welder, but no fabrication equipment except an abrasive cut-off wheel, pipe bender, pipe notcher, and a drill press.  Is it possible to build a log arch strong enough to handle 20-30" logs out of 2" pipe?   Could I use sch 40 or would I have to use sch 80 for any real strength?

The top view would be like this.  I would obviously include some additional braces made out of pipe, etc:


      Brace
        |
        V
| |--------| |
|-|        |-|
| |        | |     <---wheel
  |        |
   \      /
     \  /
      ||
      ||  <--- tongue



Just curious if the xperienced folks on this forum would this this is feasible and if so, what pipe.    If I made anything it would have to be made out of pipe since I can't justify any fabrication tools for a single project.  I think I could get 3" shoes for my bender, but currently I only have 2". 

Thanks in advance

[r.man]

How much cost difference in 40 and 80 and can you bend 80?

[5quarter]

That keyboard diagram is a work of art...would have taken me hours to figure out.  ;)

   20"-30" cedar logs? no problem. hardwoods like oak? very unlikely. Perhaps a structural engineer could devise something that would work. Personally, I would scrounge some stouter material. There are quite a few guys here that have built great log arches. No doubt they crafting responses right now, complete with pics, as I type this.

[SPD748]

PM sent.

-lee

[millwright]

If you could use schd80 and gusset all bends and joints it would probably work fine, I have hauled some awful big logs on mine with no big problems.

[kelLOGg]

I would use at least a 3" pipe. I have 2 arches, a monster with a 40" throat and a smaller one patterned after the LogRite junior.  The large one is seen carrying multiple pine logs.

 

I just finished the smaller one and have not yet used it so no pics yet.
Bob

[Jemclimber]

If I made anything it would have to be made out of pipe since I can't justify any fabrication tools for a single project.

I often justify tools for a single project. The project usually is still cheaper than buying new even with a few new tools and once I own the tools they become used on future unforeseen projects.  I think square tubing is easier to work with than pipe for welding, cutting, and fitting. Just my opinion. A hand held  Milwaukee power band saw is so nice for cutting metal. Show us pictures of your build.

[Andy White]

NCD       Just finished my arch after adding braces that Jemclimber suggested awhile back. Do not have pictures yet, but this is what it looks like without the braces.  It is made of 3"x2"x1/4" thick rectangle tube. It will carry a 30" x16' log. I have hauled many red oak logs 26" to 28" with no problems.Also use it to turn cants on mill bed without cant hook.    Andy

            

          

 

[r.man]

Andy that is a slick way to load a mill and to use your arch to turn large cants is inspired.

[Sprucegum]

If you have lots of 2 " pipe available it is doable. Instead of single pipe make small truss type framework. It will be stronger than 3" pipe or sq. tube but involves a lot of fitting and welding.

Sorry, the only pictures are inside my head and don't come out very clear.

[clww]

Andy that is a slick way to load a mill and to use your arch to turn large cants is inspired.

+1 Andy!

[NCDiesel]

Thanks for all the great feed back.   Yes.  Keyboard/ACII art is a lost art  (-:

As for the tools:   Part of the resistance for acquiring additional tools,besides tthe cost spread out over very infrequent use,  is the space.   I have a 30x40 shop and I am out of space already.   I was hoping to see if it was possible to use what I already had. 

As for the truss idea - very interesting.   

Thanks.  More pics would be great!

[MSSawmill]

If I made anything it would have to be made out of pipe since I can't justify any fabrication tools for a single project.

I often justify tools for a single project. The project usually is still cheaper than buying new even with a few new tools and once I own the tools they become used on future unforeseen projects.  I think square tubing is easier to work with than pipe for welding, cutting, and fitting. Just my opinion. A hand held  Milwaukee power band saw is so nice for cutting metal. Show us pictures of your build.

It to go with Jem on this one! You can never have too many tools! Just ask my dad. He has a shop and a barn full of them. (Note: HE has them, therefore WE have them. Whether he likes it or not!)

[DeepWoods]

Check out this thread I started a couple years ago when I built my arch

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,49642.0.html

I used square tubing, but you may find some ideas from my build that you can adapt to round stock.  Here is a picture of the finished project.  The wheels on top are for a tag axle that I use when hauling logs over 12 feet to take some of the weight off the arch.



 

[kelLOGg]

Andy that is a slick way to load a mill and to use your arch to turn large cants is inspired.

I agree AND your neighbors must be very understanding and appreciative of your sawmill.

Bob

[moandrich]

We used our log arch on the open road today, about 2 miles paved.  2  logs about 22foot.  I had a orange triangle on the back of the log so I must have been legal   :D

  

 

[in10sity]

Careful about mentioning legal limits, vehicle limits, permitting, and weight, never know who is looking.  Four foot overhang off the is rear the limit for most states.  The triangle is for equipment traveling under 25 mph.

[m wood]

I am just guessing here but were you concerned about legal weight limits for the road with that load moandrich, and how many times did you get going over 25mph :D
mark

[5quarter]

looks legal to me.  ;) ;D

[Magicman]

Most times "legal" is in the eyes of the enforcer.  If it prevents an accident, it is legal.

[bandmiller2]

NCD,your all set with the tools you have.Find a commercial pipe vendor that sells weld on pipe fittings they have everything all you have to do is cut the pipe.These fittings slip over the pipe and weld easily best thing you can get 30 and 45 degrees,tees,ells pretty much anything you want.If you have heavy pipe use it if not truss as suggested. Frank C.

[bandmiller2]

As Jem says that hand held Milwaukee bandsaw is a real spoiler.I just bought one at a fleamarket ,like new, for just under $100.00 wished I found one years ago. Frank C.