[RichT]

I also am interested in making my own bridge. The bridge needs to be a specific length and I want to model a specific bridge as closely as possible. Where can I find lengths of steel I and H beams in lengths up to 3 feet long? Dimensionally, these need to be 3/8" x 3/8", 3/8" x 1/2" or 5/8" - that order of magnitude. I also prefer steel, tho if steel beams are impossible to find, I'd consider brass. I've only seem smaller sizes than what I need at K&S metals and all these are only 12" long.

 

[RichT]

Chas,
I am just learning to weld, so your advice on the sizes is timely. Call me a masochist, but I'd like to weld the bridge together myself. But I'd hoped to not have to make the I Beams myself. The brass alternative does sound easier for the reason noted above, but again, I want to learn the welding. To make the beams, my thought is to take square stock about 1/4"- 3/8" and clamp one each on each side of a T - then weld the T together, sliding the stock along the weld axis. I'd repeat this once I completed the T to form the H... sounds excruciating... but I can't think of a better idea. Is milling out two sides of a 1/2" square bar to form an H a ridiculous idea?

 

[RichT]

Doing the research is a great suggestion. Do you know the names of the books?

 

[RichT]

Thanks for the suggestions

Rich