Spiraling Up

January 7, 2016.  Mechanical Elements is back online with a new look, a new logo, new functionality, and a better shopping experience. — With an expanded offering of the Same Great DIY Project Plans and so much more. All this on the Old, but now resurrected, though not so recent, MechanicalElements.com domain. – This is the first news / announcement post.

As Mechanical Elements returns again to its own website, this brings us full circle.  The one constant in all the change is the great DIY project plans that are here for you, the Do-it-Yourself Enthusiast.  We say “Enthusiast“, but we really mean those that jump in, get their hands a little greasy, then end up with a product that is much better than anything available through a store.  You just can’t buy the pride of building a great project yourself.

“Build it With Plans – Better Than You Can Buy It !!”

If that is you, then it is easy to solute you!  Because we are you.  We are very much a part of the greasy fingers DIY category of folks that make the world go around.  We build stuff, lots of stuff, including the things of the plans we sell!  And, we test the stuff we build, via everyday use and abuse, so we know these products will perform.  In fact, most of the original products came about as a solution WE (or the Wife or a friend) wanted to have.  Since then, many of our newer plans come from suggestions from you, our readers and customers.

Some of the things we have for you are simple Solutions! like this little Gantry Crane Skyhook.  (So simple it does not need plans.)  Others are obviously much more involved like our Heavy Duty Utility Trailers, Shop Tools, and other great DIY projects.

Past & Future DIY Project Plans

With the re-launching of this site, the DIY project plans are now, once again, available for you on Mechanical Elements.  Interestingly, the first plans sales were on the MechanicalElements.com domain in the late 1990’s.  After several years and for many reasons, the domain was put on hold with the plans then sold on Synthx.com in the “Buy The Way” section.  That worked for a time, and it served a purpose.   However, now, because of a desire to expand the site with tips and a lot more DIY helps and information, we have gone back to the MechanicalElements.com domain.

Is that all too confusing?  The history is not so important as the fact it is here now.  Just think of it as Great plans for DIY projects, with lots of articles for information, and a lot more to come!

Our new focus takes us beyond just the DIY Project Plans.  One big addition for this new version of Mechanical Elements is the new section we call “The Mechanic’s Post“.  There we have a growing library of helpful DIY tips with tons of suggestions, news, guides, recommendations, and so much more.  We set out to be the web’s DIY portal.

That is a lofty goal, we know, but we believe, and you can help.  Submit your project stories and share your ideas for cool Solutions!  Whether it is the beginning of a project or something when it is complete.  If you have a story about a project built with plans from Mechanical Elements, (or Synthx.com Buy The Way) we would like to hear it.

Easy To Get

The plans are easy and fast to get.  Just Add to Cart, then right after payment is complete, you can save the files directly to your computer.  It is that simple.  Oh, and if you should have trouble with the download, we have got you covered there too.  Just contact us and we will help you out.

Thank you for making this your home for awesome workshop projects.  Start here to get your DIY project plans, and so much more great information.  Let us know how we can best make this website serve you – the DIY Enthusiast!

Enjoy the new website – and especially, Enjoy your DIY projects!

We Found These For You . . .

What Bolts for DIY?

Bolts are an amazingly simple yet complex fastening method.  They are used everywhere so mostly we take them for granted, but why are there so many different kinds?  And what bolts should I use? Are these articles helpful? We appreciate your kind contributions. Thank You.

Trailer Axle without Suspension

What happens if you hard mount an axle on your trailer – without a suspension?  The question has come up a few times, and it is worth talking about.  There are some distinct advantages of eliminating the suspension, but there are also some pitfalls.

Trailer With Attitude

When we think about airplanes flying, or boats sailing, it is easy to imagine how they move.  An airplane rolls some as it banks into a turn.  A boat pitches up and down with the waves.  So, how do these factors — Pitch, Yaw and Roll — apply to trailers

Torsion Axle Conversion Plans – 3500 lbs.
Select Your Size

Change the trailer plans from Leaf Springs, to a Torsion Axle Trailer.  These plans show you how.  The design fits Mechanical Elements 4', 5', 6' and 6'10" Widths - for 3500 lb, Single Axle Trailers.  Select your width.

See The Details Add To Cart

Change To Torsion Axle
Extend A Trailer Tongue Feature

Is there an easy way to build an adjustable length trailer tongue?  This may seem like an odd question, yet it has come up many times.  While the question seems simple and direct, there are actually a lot of pieces to give a good answer.  If you are ready, we can dive into a few…

Trailer Axles - Springs - Wheels - and Tires

I will just drop by the parts store and grab an axle . . . . Well, trailer axles are not quite that simple, but knowing a few important details, we can certainly get the right one.  Here is a quick guide to trailer axles Are these articles helpful? We appreciate your kind contributions. Thank…

Trailer Hitch and Drawbar Classes

As a convenient way to help with safety, trailer hitches, balls, and receivers have categories or load rating groups called classes.  Each trailer hitch class has ratings for how much it will carry.  A look at the ratings for each component (as well as the vehicle ratings)

Tandem Torsion Walking Beam

Over and over we recommend:  “Don’t use torsion axles in tandem because they don’t load-share”.  Well, What if we make them share?  Here is a new design that brings the benefits of a torsion axle to the tandem axle party

Shop Utility Floor Cart

When there is a need that does not really fit with existing products, make your own.  That is where we start with this new, super tough Shop Floor & Utility Cart.  While it is not monumental in design, it does have some great functionality for DIYers, with strength that you will not find elsewhere.

Trailer Axle Choices

In the discussion of trailer axle leaf springs versus a torsion axle, let’s put some engineering behind the debate.  We are not out to change opinions, because both axle styles have a good place, but we do want to offer a practical, technical perspective.