Hodakaguy
Active member
Time to get the tops mounted to the frames. Originally I planned on welding tabs to the frame and using bolts to attach the two, after staring at it a bit in the garage I decided to use aluminum TRIC-nuts instead (Like Rivet Nuts) as they would be faster and cleaner than tabs.
Here I'm getting ready to start installing the TRIC-nut thread inserts.
I had a scrap piece of tubing on the bench so I installed one of the TRIC-nuts for a test fit and to show how it functions.
Here's the TRIC-nut.
Drilling the hole and installing the TRIC-nut.
Using a standard Rivet Nut Setting tool to compress the TRIC-nut
And BAM....instant threads. Threads stayed nice and centered in the hole, perfect.
Next I clamped the wooden top onto the frame to prepare it for marking and drilling.
Measured and marked center line of the aluminum tubing them marked where I wanted the bolts to be placed. Using a small pilot bit I drilled through the board and into the aluminum.
Next I up-sized the pilot holes in the frame to 3/8" to fit the TRIC-nuts.
And installed and set all the TRIC-nuts in place.
Deburring the holes.
Next I drilled out the holes in the boards to 1/4" and counter sunk them for the bolts.
Test fitting the panel. Fits great!
One panel down.....
And the second panel complete.
Next up all the wood panels were sanded to 240 grit in preparation for sealing. I'm using OSMO Polyx-Oil (See Below) to seal the boards and you don't want to go any smoother than 240 Grit as you need some grain for the oil to soak into the wood.
I'm using OSMO Polyx-oil in Clear Satin to seal the boards. OSMO is great stuff! Human safe and can be applied without making a mess, love the natural finish it provides. Stir the product really well before use and every now and then while you work. To apply the OSMO you use a non abrasive 3M pad and apply a really thin layer of OSMO. Work the oil into the the wood (Can go with or against the grain with the non abrasive pad). Once the wood is fully covered you take a fresh piece of pad and rub it all down again until there are no "wet" spots left and your left with a nice smooth finish. Wait 8-10 hrs and apply a second coat with the same technique and you have a nice sealed finished product.
Note: The links below are my Amazon Affiliate links, I make a small portion each time someone purchases from Amazon using one of my links, at no extra cost to the buyer. I only provide links to items that I personally like and use myself. i use the money to put back into my builds and support making videos/posts. If you prefer not to use my links you can search for the same items directly off Amazon. Thank you for the support!
OSMO Polyx-Oil: Available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2XKMgxo
3M White Application Pads: Available on Amazon Here: https://amzn.to/3imLlgj
Applying the first coat. Love the finish!
Hanging up to dry.
All the boards are now complete with the first coat, will apply the second coat in 8-10hrs.
More to come soon....
Hodakaguy
Here I'm getting ready to start installing the TRIC-nut thread inserts.

I had a scrap piece of tubing on the bench so I installed one of the TRIC-nuts for a test fit and to show how it functions.
Here's the TRIC-nut.

Drilling the hole and installing the TRIC-nut.






Using a standard Rivet Nut Setting tool to compress the TRIC-nut

And BAM....instant threads. Threads stayed nice and centered in the hole, perfect.


Next I clamped the wooden top onto the frame to prepare it for marking and drilling.


Measured and marked center line of the aluminum tubing them marked where I wanted the bolts to be placed. Using a small pilot bit I drilled through the board and into the aluminum.



Next I up-sized the pilot holes in the frame to 3/8" to fit the TRIC-nuts.

And installed and set all the TRIC-nuts in place.

Deburring the holes.



Next I drilled out the holes in the boards to 1/4" and counter sunk them for the bolts.


Test fitting the panel. Fits great!



One panel down.....

And the second panel complete.

Next up all the wood panels were sanded to 240 grit in preparation for sealing. I'm using OSMO Polyx-Oil (See Below) to seal the boards and you don't want to go any smoother than 240 Grit as you need some grain for the oil to soak into the wood.

I'm using OSMO Polyx-oil in Clear Satin to seal the boards. OSMO is great stuff! Human safe and can be applied without making a mess, love the natural finish it provides. Stir the product really well before use and every now and then while you work. To apply the OSMO you use a non abrasive 3M pad and apply a really thin layer of OSMO. Work the oil into the the wood (Can go with or against the grain with the non abrasive pad). Once the wood is fully covered you take a fresh piece of pad and rub it all down again until there are no "wet" spots left and your left with a nice smooth finish. Wait 8-10 hrs and apply a second coat with the same technique and you have a nice sealed finished product.
Note: The links below are my Amazon Affiliate links, I make a small portion each time someone purchases from Amazon using one of my links, at no extra cost to the buyer. I only provide links to items that I personally like and use myself. i use the money to put back into my builds and support making videos/posts. If you prefer not to use my links you can search for the same items directly off Amazon. Thank you for the support!
OSMO Polyx-Oil: Available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2XKMgxo
3M White Application Pads: Available on Amazon Here: https://amzn.to/3imLlgj


Applying the first coat. Love the finish!



Hanging up to dry.

All the boards are now complete with the first coat, will apply the second coat in 8-10hrs.
More to come soon....
Hodakaguy