Flip-top Tool Stand - Advice Needed

I built one a few years ago that has since been dismantled. I used 3/4 solid steel rod (overkill) for the pivot. I went down the local welding shop to buy a 6” piece of it and they just gave it to me. Half inch would be fine, however, that 3/4 dowel would probably work as well. Carriage bolts would work. It’s not so much strength when you build it, but how it wears with use. If one side failed and the other didn’t you could SMASH your hand. If I was building it again, I’d use the mild steel again.

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

I tend to agree, mot. I don’t think the dowel will last with heavy use. Steel rod isn’t much more $. I’d like it to last. Might as well err to the side of too much than too little.

-- Jeff, South Carolina

I agree with, Mot. Steel is the way to go and if you really want it to last, a brass insert will give you a replaceable wear point that you could even lubricate for longer life.

-- Jesus is Lord!