Bill wrote:
Bill wrote:
Bill wrote:
The morning I am thinking of a structure based on a "quilt rack"
model--upside down "T" ends, as legs, with a mast of of 3/4" steel
square tubing.
To that I can attach a Loxan polycarbonate box (blade cover), with
hinged front, sides and back--like the box in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxZOO_zcpNM

As you suggest, I can always improve upon it.



Consider a 72" long beam consisting of 2" by 2" square steel tubing,
1/8" thick, fixed at each end. Assume I attach a 3' beam right in
the middle, perhaps cantilevered, to which my blade guard is affixed.
How much "rigidness" have I bought myself, as far as the beam is
concerned? I believe we are talking about the "strength" of the steel
tubing. I realize that if I shorten the 72" beam, the rigidness will
improve, but how is it doing so far? By comparison, lesser material
options that are available would probably seem flimsy, no? To
provide a more complete picture, I intend that this beam will span an
outfeed table.

Thanks!
Bill

A related question is "Will it sag with time?" (like a 2by4 hanging in
the same manner would?)
Maybe I need to use an I-beam (that's a joke!) Maybe a small I-beam
(that's not a joke!)


I have to admit Bill that I'm lost with your ideas. Having said that - I
can't imagine any need for the monster you're contemplating, just to fab a
blade guard. I can't say for sure because like I said - I'm kinda lost
here, but I'm guessing you're over engineering the hell out of this.

--

-Mike-