REQUIRED TOOLS
The frame and pontoon assembly for our 7'x9' and 8'x9' blunt work platform requires a few basic tools, as well as a couple specialized tools. Below we have provided a list of everything that you'll need, as well as part numbers and links to where you can get the specialized tools from McMaster, which is a reasonably priced industrial supplier. Click on the part number to view the item on the McMaster website. Many customers will already have the majority of these tools, if not all of them. These tools (other than perhaps the transfer punch) should be stocked at your local home supply or hardware store as well.
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STEP 5
Remove the ratchet straps. Before removing the floats, number the positions of the floats on the main beams as shown. Number the floats and main beams on both sides of the pontoon assembly. Label position 1, 2, and 3 on one side and 4, 5, and 6 on the other. This ensures that you don't mix up the positions of the floats after you drill holes. You can use a piece of masking tape to write on or you can use a marker to write on the floats and main beams. If using a marker, lacquer paint thinner will remove the ink after assembly, and the paint thinner will not hurt the plastic or the aluminum. Remove the floats and unclamp the main beams from the saw horses.
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STEP 6
Using a standard center punch, make the marks you made with the transfer punch in step 4 more pronounce. This will make the holes easier to drill in the next step.
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STEP 16
Loosely bolt a hat channel crossmember on either end of the platform. The two hat channels are to be butted against the square tubes. For this, you'll be using the 3/8" x 7/8" hex bolts, 3/8" lock washers, and 3/8" SAE flat washers. Leave the hat channel bolts finger tight for now.
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STEP 17
Working from the outermost crossmembers in, continue to position and bolt on the remaining hat channel crossmembers. Remember to reference your diagram for the placement of each hat channel. Double check the positions of your hat channels and tighten all the bolts. A great way to make sure you don't miss any is to use a marker and draw a line on the head of each bolt after it's tightened. Now that all your crossmember bolts are tight, your frame and pontoon assembly is complete!
You're done! |