It's your first time ordering and assembling an 80/20 t-slotted aluminum extrusion frame. From your first glance, it looks like its going to be an uphill battle. Don't worry, it is not as difficult as it may look.
We are going to go through five tips that will help the process go much smoother.
- Ensure that you have received all the correct parts and double check the measurements match the bill of materials. After confirming that everything is correct you will want to lay the material out so the tags are visible and the hardware is easy to access.
- Review all the connection methods and how each one works. Understanding how the fastening methods function will help guide you through the assembly process. If you miss placing a fastener in the tslot of an assembled piece, you will have to take everything apart and start over.
- Pre-assemble the fasteners. Huge time-saver! For example, when mounting a plate to a vertically oriented extrusion, it is much easier to have the screws and t-nuts loosely assembled on the joining plate. All that needs to be done is sliding the plate into the correct slot, and tighten the screws. Good luck trying to fight gravity if you decide not to preassemble.
- When working with end fasteners, pre-assemble the bolt snug, into the tapped end of the extrusion, then back them out about 1/4-1/2 turn. Sliding the piece on will be much easier now.
- When installing panels, leave the protective film on. All you should do is peel pack the edging so it can cleanly slide into the t-slot. After the assembly is complete, rip it all off.
You will make some mistakes, but following the list of tips will help minimize them. If you have any questions you can contact us and we will help you out.
Check out the four assembly videos at 80/20.