Build Tips, News, Articles & Engineering From The Mechanic
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Articles & Build Tips – From the Mechanic

Join the discussion with the Mechanic on DIY Project topics including News, Build Tips and Engineering Perspective.  DIY is our specialty.  Trailers, Shop Tools, Cranes, and more. Enjoy the articles, then comment when things catch your attention.  To filter the articles, select a category from the top line.  For a subject you want to see, please request it.  This site is for you.
Aluminum Trailer Frame Underside

Aluminum is such a great material.  It is light, strong, and looks sweet to boot.  So, why is there a debate about Aluminum Trailer Frames comparing to others like steel?  Or comparing for beams like with gantry cranes?

Example of DIY Trailer Construction Mistake

Learning good trailer construction by examining bad is a great way to focus on details.  This photo shows 4 points of “less that careful thought” in the way the trailer is built.  Can you pick them out?

Good Trailer Design Article Updates

The most popular pages on Synthesis are the Trailer Design Article that now has a fresh revision.  May, 2017.  They include more content, more pictures, and a mobile friendly web design.

Applied Force vs Movement With Shop Tools

Is there anything more annoying (painful and frustrating) than busting a knuckle when working on things in the shop?  To many of us, blood sacrifices are just part of getting a project done, but it does not have to be that way.  This article is NOT about iron gloves or

Should I Build A Trailer Or Buy One?

Do you want a new Utility Trailer?  Or, an OHV Hauler?  We have plans for those, but the big question is:  When should you build your new trailer?  versus  When should you just go out and buy one?

Makeshift DIY Truck and Trailer

The coolest thing I saw last week was this guy with a very creative DIY approach to a pack trailer — and, of course, his tow vehicle!

Failure -- Trailer Hitch / Unhitch Crash

The trailer hitch and surrounding hardware are OH so important – with safety as the priority.  Here are some small examples illustrating one success and one horrific failure.

May Is Build Month - DIY Plans Sale

May, the time of new flowers after April showers, is also the time for building that project you’ve been stewing on over the winter.  Spring has sprung, so it’s time to make it happen.

Welding Pre-Stressed Steel Fabrication

The concepts of pre-stressed steel fabrication have been around for ages, but they are not often applied for simple welded structures like trailer frames or crane stands.

Winner of the Visa Gift Card

We have a winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card!  We sent out the Photo request, and you responded.  Now the drawing, and the winner.