This week we continued on improving the frame by adding more supports, making a flat surface for the dump bed frame to rest on, and making axle supports for under the trailer. First we cut out cross bracing for the frame by making a custom cut using a grinder. We set the cross bracing that was made out of 5 inch channel and put the cut inside the trailer frame to test to fit. We then cut a ½ inch thick plate into various shapes to put on the corners of the frame as well as the middle of the frame. We learned how to use a plasma cutter that sends enough heat that melts the metal. The ½ plate cut outs were tack welded in place to provide a flat surface on the trailer frame for the dump bed frame to sit on top of. We also used the same plasma cutter to make an awkward angle in 5” by 3” angle metal that are used to set the axles in place and provide support. What we accomplished was making supports for the trailer so that it is sturdy enough to handle the weight of the dump bed and the weight of the payload that will go into the trailer. The trailer frame is one of the most important parts of the trailer and needs to be almost perfect so that the trailer can support the weight put on it and keep it safe.
With the frame almost done on the trailer, the next step is to put on the tongue of the trailer. We precut the parts and only have to make a few minor cuts on the pieces to make it fit together. Once we finish welding the cross braces on the trailer completely, the tongue of the trailer will be put on. This next week is when we plan to accomplish this task and complete the total frame of the trailer. In the coming weeks we plan to put on the axles, tire, and jack stand so the bottom half of the trailer is complete. Than we will create the dump bed frame, attach the hydraulic piston, and put on the electric components. These tasks can be accomplished but are going to take time and hard work to accomplish. If we stick to our schedule and stay active with the project we will be right on task to complete the project on time.
What we did well this week was working diligently with the time we were given. Due to schedule issues we did not have the time we wanted to work on the project. With the time we were given however, we accomplished a whole lot of steps to this build that we were not expecting to do. We worked hard and stayed focused and got as much work as we could get done this week. We worked through the adversity that was put in our path this week and ran right through it.
What we need to work on in the coming weeks is fundraising for the trailer and finding more time to work. This project is very expensive and needs to be funded in order for us to work. What we need to do is reach out to more people for support which we haven’t done well the last couple of weeks. In order to get this project finished we need to focus some of our time on funding our project. Also we need to find more time to work on the project. This last week we struggled to have enough time to do everything that we wanted to accomplish. So in the next weeks we need to expand our work time and account for outside influences like traffic and our mentor’s schedule. We have a lot of work to do and need to schedule just a little bit better in order to stay on task.
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