Thread: Outdoor swing using RHS - advise please

DM, my first thought was to use round section for the uprights (less corners for the kiddies to run into), but square section for the cross-member for a bit more strength. Having round uprights though won't be as neat and makes it trickier to put together (so maybe the kids just need to learn about corners the hard way )

As far as your diamond vs square configuration, see this: Google Answers: Relative strength of square steel tubing in different orientations. Given that a swing doesn't just hang vertical though complicates things though. Realistically I think the torsional stresses on your welds are what probably a greater risk factor - so making gusset plates would probably be a good idea.

Also, 2.5m high seems a bit low to me - particularly when the kids get a bit taller. I built a set at my old place that were about 3.2m high, which was pretty good (if you have the swing space).

Also think about corrosion protection. Eye bolts through your square section may lead to rust at that point. Welded lugs would prevent this. Are you going to paint, powdercoat, galvanise?

Cheers

- Mick

I have always believed, when in doubt, over engineer it! And I doubt a lot of what I build!!
75 by 75 by 4 is a pretty beefy bit of tube. I think some 45deg braces to shorten the span a little and add some lateral bracing, but welder Mick said about the welds is the weak point and it's a dynamic load. The braces and gusset plates are going to help. Why not make the junction between the top rail and the legs with a plate and bolt array? Then You can always replace (or rotate) the top rail if it's not up to spec.
It will be easier to weld and paint in three pieces, bolt it together and stand it up. Maybe?

If all else fails you can put a chain hoist on it to pull heavy items off your ute!

Hi DangerMouse,

Here's an idea for your design, go down to the local park and measure up the swing that's closest to what you want, and just copy the design.

You could also look at what's available in the retail market, but el-cheapo mass market swings will not be as well engineered as something that has to stand up to the use and abuse it would get in a public park setting.

Regards
Ray

Originally Posted by WelderMick

DM, my first thought was to use round section for the uprights (less corners for the kiddies to run into), but square section for the cross-member for a bit more strength. Having round uprights though won't be as neat and makes it trickier to put together (so maybe the kids just need to learn about corners the hard way )

Also, 2.5m high seems a bit low to me - particularly when the kids get a bit taller. I built a set at my old place that were about 3.2m high, which was pretty good (if you have the swing space).

Also think about corrosion protection. Eye bolts through your square section may lead to rust at that point. Welded lugs would prevent this. Are you going to paint, powdercoat, galvanise?

Cheers

- Mick

Thanks heaps Mick - I think the kids will just have to get used to the corners as I think square will go together better and will look better.
And your right it would be a bit taller than I stated.

I was planning on painting - we are inland NSW so I think this should be fine for the life of the swing.
I just thought the eye bolts would be replaceable/moveable etc but you do make a valid point.

Originally Posted by Ben Dono

I have always believed, when in doubt, over engineer it! And I doubt a lot of what I build!!
75 by 75 by 4 is a pretty beefy bit of tube. I think some 45deg braces to shorten the span a little and add some lateral bracing, but welder Mick said about the welds is the weak point and it's a dynamic load. The braces and gusset plates are going to help. Why not make the junction between the top rail and the legs with a plate and bolt array? Then You can always replace (or rotate) the top rail if it's not up to spec.
It will be easier to weld and paint in three pieces, bolt it together and stand it up. Maybe?

If all else fails you can put a chain hoist on it to pull heavy items off your ute!

Yeah Ben I think you and Mick are on the money with a bit of bracing/gussets. I also like the idea of the plate and bolt array - seems a good idea to me.

Originally Posted by RayG

Hi DangerMouse,

Here's an idea for your design, go down to the local park and measure up the swing that's closest to what you want, and just copy the design.

Regards
Ray

Thanks Ray - yep I will certainly be doing this but was after some thoughts from various sources on how they would tackle it which is just what I got so I am very thankful. Any other tips that come my way would certainly be appreciated too especially from someone who has built something similar.