Build Thread 8020 DIY

[CrazyOldMan]

Just saw a YT video where a guy built his own interior rack on his 4Runner and he mentioned these guys - just found a new way to waste my time and probably cut off a finger. Love that there are so many T-slot options. Knock yourselves out.

https://8020.net/shop

 

[hightechcoonass]

I built a van using 80/20 it was not the best idea because the hardware is ridiculously priced. In my last van build, I used uni-strut (painted with black bed liner)

Van build linky

80/20 Van Build

 

[Logsplitter]

I built a van using 80/20 it was not the best idea because the hardware is ridiculously priced. In my last van build, I used uni-strut (painted with black bed liner)

Van build linky

80/20 Van Build

Nice work. It’s given me some ideas. I’ve never heard of these products. I’d been thinking of using ply with pocket hole joinery. But with this method I build an aluminium frame and use thinner ply for weight saving. Food for thought.

 

[Greg]

I prototyped my platform build using 2020 t-slot.

Each upright section was really strong and it was tempting to investigate this option... but ended up going with 20mm shs

 

[Logsplitter]

Nice work. I’m not very good as a fabricator welder so I’ll try out the unistrut or t-slot stuff I think.

 

[Greg]

Yeah thin wall is a pain to weld, especially as it has been decades since I was on the tools... hence the thick raptor paint job

 

[CrazyOldMan]

I built a van using 80/20 it was not the best idea because the hardware is ridiculously priced. In my last van build, I used uni-strut (painted with black bed liner)

Van build linky

80/20 Van Build

Fair enough - it’s just the “system” aspect of it and the one stop shop aspect that caught my attention. That is PURELY because of how lazy and incompetent I am - someone with more ingenuity and initiative could pull stuff together for less.

 

[hightechcoonass]

Fair enough - it’s just the “system” aspect of it and the one stop shop aspect that caught my attention. That is PURELY because of how lazy and incompetent I am - someone with more ingenuity and initiative could pull stuff together for less.

That was my thoughts, I am not a carpenter and I have no patience, so the 80/20 would be great. But, when it came time to close the fronts and make drawers, it was very difficult to tie into the rail without using the expensive hardware.
Also, since there is a hollow hole in the center (looking at a cross section on 80/20), one can't simply use a self-tap. It will drill tap the first side of the hole, then when it hits the intercenter of the second side, the screw will snap.

see here the center hole.
Also note how I simply cut aluminum angle and used 1/4" carriage bolts to build the structure.

 

[Max]

Nice work. It’s given me some ideas. I’ve never heard of these products. I’d been thinking of using ply with pocket hole joinery. But with this method I build an aluminium frame and use thinner ply for weight saving. Food for thought.

There is a Light Ply available. Plenty of suppliers out there. I used it for a fold out bed top

UltraLight Plywood - 40% lighter than your average plywood.​

UltraLight Plywood
https://ultralightply.com




The perfect mix of hard and softwoods to maximize strength without weight. Lightweight. 40% lighter than regular Baltic Birch plywoods, saving tons on shipping ...

 

[Logsplitter]

That was my thoughts, I am not a carpenter and I have no patience, so the 80/20 would be great. But, when it came time to close the fronts and make drawers, it was very difficult to tie into the rail without using the expensive hardware.
Also, since there is a hollow hole in the center (looking at a cross section on 80/20), one can't simply use a self-tap. It will drill tap the first side of the hole, then when it hits the intercenter of the second side, the screw will snap.

see here the center hole.
Also note how I simply cut aluminum angle and used 1/4" carriage bolts to build the structure.

When I read your post, after reading the first bit I thought just use coach bolts. Reading farther that’s exactly what you did. . Save money on expensive fittings. You just call them carriage bolts.
Nice work. Some more pictures for inspiration please.