Constructing and Welding the Metal Post Brace
At 4:47 in
FARM FENCING...WOOD POST AND STEEL POST BRACING COMPARED..WELDS AND MORE!
What happens here
The metal brace is constructed using a 4-inch, 10-foot long SS-40 high-tensile galvanized steel pipe for the vertical post, which is driven 5.5 feet into the ground. A 2 3/8-inch, 10-foot long horizontal brace pipe is 'coped' (cut to fit) using a band saw and then welded to the vertical post. An SS-40 high-tensile 3-inch stubby post, 6 feet long, is driven 6 feet into the ground and welded to the end of the horizontal brace, providing robust underground anchoring. Gate mounts are also welded to the vertical post for future gate installation. Safety measures for welding galvanized pipe, such as wearing a respirator and a standard welding hood (not auto-dark for outdoors), are emphasized.
Goal: Build a heavy-duty, permanent metal post brace for maximum fence stability.
Tools and materials
- 2 3/8-inch SS-40 Galvanized Steel Pipe — Horizontal brace pipe
- 3-inch SS-40 Galvanized Steel Pipe — Driven 'stubby' anchor post
- 4-inch SS-40 Galvanized Steel Pipe — Main vertical post of the brace
- Band Saw — Cutting pipe ends to 'cope' (fit) them precisely for welding
- Gate Mounts — Securing a gate to the post
- Miller Bobcat 250 Welder Miller — Welding galvanized steel pipes and components
- Respirator — Protecting lungs from welding fumes, especially when working with galvanized steel
- Welding Gloves — Protecting hands from heat and sparks during welding
- Welding Hood Yeti — Protecting eyes and face during welding. A standard hood is recommended over auto-dark for outdoor use
- Galvanized Paint — Sealing welds on galvanized steel for corrosion protection