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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.

The old, but now resurrected, MechanicalElements.com domain now hosts the great DIY Plans again. – 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 From Plans – Better Than You Can Buy It !!

If this is you, then we 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.

If you want a great trailer, one that is better than you can buy off a sales lot, then build it.  We have plans that show you how to build it stronger, safer, and more stable.  When you want features that are not on the corporate trailers at a store, build it.  Build it yourself, with guidance from our DIY project plans.  We build, so we can have products better than what we can buy at a store.

Some of the other 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 a 3rd party site, then on the MechanicalElements.com domain in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.

After several years and for many reasons, the domain was put on hold, with the plans then sold on Synthx.com in our “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 more 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 we are here again, now, even better.  Think of this website as great plans for DIY projects, with a lot of articles for tips and information, with even 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 many suggestions, news, guides, recommendations, and so much more.  We set out to be the web portal for DIY in trailers.  Of course, we also have great workshop tool plans for you, and some home projects.

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 sort it 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 . . .

Dies

While the Tap & Die go hand in hand as threading tools, they are very different in the way they work.  They seem very similar, just inside out, but that makes it so there are different tricks for success.  So, we will talk success tips for making external threads with a die.

Link Lock Safety Chain System

A couple years ago in an article about trailer safety chains, I mentioned the “Link Lock” system.   It looked pretty interesting, and I like creativity, especially when it solves real problems.  So, I tried to connect with the company to learn more.

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.

Why Do Some Trailers Tow Stable and Others Not?

There's a lot that goes into making trailers tow stable. Of course, there are the big obvious things, but there are also a lot of contributors that may or may not matter in your situation. Stack the deck to get them right, and have a safe, stable trailer.

6′ x 14′ x 12,000# – Utility Trailer Plans

Build a great tandem axle, heavy duty utility trailer from these 6x14 trailer plans.  Blueprints are fully engineered for 12,000 lb. total capacity.  The trailer you build will be tough and ready to work.

See The Details Add To Cart

6x16 Tandem Axle Trailer Plans
Trailer Tandem Axle Brakes

For most people trailer brakes are just part of the trailer – something we hook up and expect to work.  That is great most of the time.  However, for those who want to dig a little deeper, especially with tandem axle brakes, there is a whole world of things to consider

DIY Steel Cutting Options

So, you need to cut steel for a DIY project (like a crane or trailer).  Easy, Right?  What is the best, easiest, cheapest, fastest way of cutting steel?  There must be dozens of ways, so, the better question might be

Storage Tip With Trailer Tongue Hinge

Need to store your trailer in a smaller space?  Consider adding a trailer tongue hinge like these.  It is helpful, for sure, but has some definite things to consider.

A Scary Trailer Along The Road

When things get weird, we all want to see them. While it's fun to laugh (or be shocked) by yourself, it's even more fun to share with friends. If you see rattle-trap trailers on the road, snap a shot or take a video, then share it here.

Which I-Beam Shape?

When is an I-Beam not really an “I” Beam?  While it is common to use the generic term “I-Beam” for any beam with an I shape section, there are actually variations with different letter designations.  And, there are advantages for the various shapes