This has taken a fair bit of consideration but I think I’ve arrived at a half decent solution. It was meant to be my first go at welding but that didn’t plan out. Dan to the rescue #diy #bed #ideas
The bunk is looking good. One thing you might consider while your ceiling is still exposed is weld a couple of steel eyelets to the steel so the bedframe can be supported by a pair of chains. To distribute the weight, each chain can hook to two short lengths of chain attached to the frame, so that when the bunk is in use, each chain attachment looks like an inverted "Y"
I was going to make the same comment as everyone else - support the bunk with a strap from the roof. Fairline did the same with their Mirage model in the 1980s and it's not uncommon to see the same thing in seagoing yachts. If you can get to a scrapyard, seatbelt webbing stitched to a hook might be a good option, as very strong. Some Japanese cars have neutral coloured belts which might look good.
Can we have a coffee support option on here? Dan needs a coffee or ten donating for his assistance! Great videos guys. Been binge watching these since the fitting out of Sloe Patrol. 👍
I think some more reinforcement is required for this bunk am worried it will collapse some day and cause an injury. Must be some way to add some extra supports and have it still fold
Nice work. For anybody considering fitting a boat out this is a good example of how everything ends up taking about 3 times as long as you think it will!
It's exactly why any normal trades man won't touch boat work with a barge pole so to speak it take 3 times as long to do anything and no use of a spirit level is there idea of a nightmare
The frame looks a bit more wobbly than it should be, needs more structure. Instead of figuring out how to support it from the bottom, I would weld brackets for chains to the ceiling while it's uncovered and use chains.
Making progress can be frustrating at times, but you are making it. I don't want to be the one to say it but that outside length will bend very quickly once weight is just centered on it, even with the slates on. Might I suggest you strengthen it by bolting a 4" wide length of 18mm wood or ply to the side. I love watching the head scratching moments. Also why not use chain, or tow rope and hooks to hold the upper bunk up, a lot less fuss and complication.
Glad Dan was able to help you out. Good to have friends. Your plan came to fruition. Good work James. On a side note, I have enjoyed watching your videos for the past 2 years or so. Lately your comment section, and one particular individual, is taking the joy out of leaving a comment. If this happens again as it did in your last video, I will continue to follow you and like but will not post a comment. I don’t expect you to change anything for me, but the disparaging remarks about you, are not something I want to be part of. 🤗😊 Kathy
I don't get these viewers and their snide comments either? Do they have so little good going on in there life that they can't bear to see someone else taking on a challenge in their own way. Instead of offering suggestions, guidance or words of encouragement they feel the need to type out a put down, why? Do you share it with your long suffering wife over supper and have a good old belly laugh down at the pub with those people you think are your mates? Why not just move on? What kind of sorry excuse for an adult you must be to find time to type an insult on a little tiny part of the internet.
Rubbish Job! :) I used to make similar stuff with angle iron, stick welder, grinder etc, so I know how hard it is unless you've loads of experience (I didn't). One of things I did learn was to tack weld then trial fit before finally welding - then when your design or measurements prove to be off (usually were for me!) it's fairly simple to attack with hammer, redesign, remeasure, remake etc. That would have saved you some bother on the hinges! I've been there, still have the round file to prove it ;) Glad SD did the welding, those old school buzz box welders like yours are tricky to get the hang of, you do need to practice for quite a while to get the hang of them. I'n not sure that 6 foot run of angle is going to be rigid enough on the outside, but I guess you'll find out if that's the case soon enough. Good luck with it all!
Hi James, that was epic, we have to admire your determination. My only thought is that when the mattress and blankets go on you will be obscuring the bottom of the window, but hey ho, it works. 😅😅
A slight obscuring of the window is not a problem because someone will be on it. The window won’t be obscured when it’s down. Thanks for your comment 👍🏼
Probably one problem with the welding is that the rods may have flux around the tip, and might need to be either ground or broken off so you have metal to metal contact for the electricity to make the arc. Anyway - Kudos to Dan for helping out!
When the beds level, weld an upright in the galley side of the wall, then use a spring bolt to fix the frame horizontal. You can then place another bulkhead galley side to hide the steel beam.
Where did you keep the fire extinguisher?..... welding near wood is looking for accident... I was worried... and I was just watching the video... 😂..? I found the fire extinguisher... 😂
Consider having a method of locking it all the way up to near the ceiling (allow for its matress), then the lower bunk will have the full width, if an adult was to sleep in it
It may sound crazy: But, have you considered using car seat belts to secure the bed in the sleeping position?..... [A bit like they did on the old "A" Class motorhomes]
You should have gone to HMS Belfast and nicked their design of transposing a middle bunk into a seat back. RN ships have some cool ways of turning one thing into another.
Got a notification from CRT: Notice Alert Grand Union Location: Project 58 Starts At: End Of the Galley Ends At: End of the Bedroom Thursday 28 March 2024 08:30 until Tuesday 4 April 2024 07:30 Type: Advice: Navigation is closed to all craft and everyone is advised to steer clear and find a safe mooring, James is welding. Reason: Maintenance Update on 04/04/2024: The navigation is now back open. James is still standing and Will be providing updates in the coming weeks.
Hope your welding expirience goes well. Irs an art form in its own. If its stick or Arc welding .. if its a full rod ,try holding like a pencil .. but half way up ,to steady stick .. aslong as you have gloves on of course .. Good luck James... make sure you get the penetration , the strength depends on it
17:08 that weld is shocking! As a real welder it drives me mad to see this! You should have about as much faith in that top weld as I do in Kermit Frog as a astronaut,!
That won’t support a mattress let alone a person. C’mon mate, sometimes you just buy something that is fit for purpose. I wouldn’t want to be the child on the bottom bunk.
I would have gone or contacted a caravan breakers and purchased the fold up bunks. These have been tried and tested but also they have the weight allowance on them. Saves time and money.