Sub-frame Construction

 

The next step was to decide on the dimensions of the floor.

In Australia materials such as flooring come in standard sheet sizes so it worth considering this to minimise waste eg 900mm x 3600mm yellow tongue flooring. Pine comes in a maximum length of 6000mm. Additionally thought has to be given to transport regulations eg maximum width, length and height (4.2m for most loads on trucks).

 

Larger dimensions are possible however permits and restricted routes may apply.

I settled on floor dimension of 2300mm x 4800mm to sneak within truck width constraints and standard material lengths.

 

The RHS beams have been cut to length and leveled using blocks, wood and packers.

In this photos below I have cut the floor joists to achieve the overall width of 2300mm. 

 

Previously I mentioned that the RHS had tabs welded at 600 mm centres. The result of welding the tabs is the bowing of the RHS by approximately 25mm, hence the blue ratchet strap to pull the sides in.

 





Note the ratchet strap to pull the RHS inward so that they are parallel.

The floor joists were ripped on a Tritton work bench so that they would slip either side of the tabs on the RHS and a bold would supply clamping force.



Floor joist secured to the RHS



 

In order to stop the floor joists from falling below the level of the RHS, short blocks of scrap wood were added. Remember I am essentially undertaking the construction by myself.