Homemade Standoffs

[JerryA]

My students and I are looking to do more multi-layered signs like featured in the latest Design - Cut - Build episode. (Great episode if you haven't checked it out!

).

My questions is has anyone used a homemade stand off using a bolt and a nut? How did you go about engineering it? Looking for ways to keep costs low at least until we figure out what we are doing.

If you use store bought standoffs, what is a good size to use, where do you purchase them, and what is a ball park price?

Thanks for any ideas!
-Jerry in Tennessee

 

[Arkansas Metal Art]

I’ve had good success using socket head 1/4x20 bolts. Just as they did for thier shortest layer. The head is rougly the same height as a 1/4x20 nut so you can weld a few of those in other areas for additional support. I prefer the socket heads over a regular bolt because they look like an actually spacer instead of a regular bolt head. For me, it’s rare to need multiple stand off sizes like they used so the socket head fills the need 95% of the time. I’ve attached some pics of recent projects using this method. The most important part is designing the holes in the back layer before you cut the pieces. Then accurately marking and welding on the bolts. You noticed them having to reposition several studs, it’s not an exact science but once you do it a few times it gets easier. I oversize my .250 holes to .285. That allows me some wiggle room and the socket head is big enough to cover the extra.

If the socket head isn’t going to provide enough stand off, I use something similar to what they used but without the stud attached. Just a basic 1/4x20 coupler. You can buy a box of 250 for $27 on Amazon. At .10 each they are a cheap and effective stand off. Pic attached. Then you use a 1/4x20 bolt and lock washer on the back and you don’t have to worry about cutting off the extra stud length if you were using the ones they used.

The biggest issue with these methods is you’ll usually end up with some dimples on the front of the sign where you welded on the stand offs.

One day I’ll bite the bullet and buy a Capacitive Discharge Stud welder just for this purpose. Until then I’ll be tackin bolts with my MIG.

 

[LECS-Chad]

Ive had a few people just use standard nuts to weld to the back plates then plug weld on the inside.