Metal Pergola 3-Way Connector Brackets?

[creative1000]

Anyone know where to find Pergola connector brackets to hold 3 wooden posts in perfect 90-degree angles? Photo taken in a Central mall, so it must be available domestically somewhere.

 

 

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[MikeN]

I've never seen anything like that in Global, Dohome or Thaiwatsadu. It is possible that they are just standard rectangular metal lengths cut into sections and welded together, something any half decent welding shop could do, and i'm sure Central can afford to pay somebody who can do a good job.

[Morakot]

Yes, looks like custom-made as already pointed out.

[Morakot]

Btw, this contraption will be useless outside. The timer is feeble and will easily rot, presumably being some soft wood. The steel brackets will need to be treated well and will likely lead to iron sickness of the timber anyway.

fplrp229.pdf

Edited November 2, 2020 by Morakot

[sometimewoodworker]

1 hour ago, Morakot said:

Btw, this contraption will be useless outside. The timer is feeble and will easily rot, presumably being some soft wood. The steel brackets will need to be treated well and will likely lead to iron sickness of the timber anyway.

fplrp229.pdf 197.97 kB · 3 downloads

Easily avoided by using the correct grade of stainless steel and suitable wood.

[Yellowtail]

As the installation was in a mall, weather was not much of a concern.

 

Also, the structure looks to be temporary and is likely moved around and or only used seasonally. 

 

No shortage of 200+ year old wooden buildings held together with iron and or steel nails, screws and brackets all over the world. 

[creative1000]

Thanks everyone. I've found them available for import, but want to check if custom made locally is cheaper. 

 

Can anyone suggest a specific shop or know the professional name (metalsmith? welder?) I can search google with?  Maybe a metal furniture maker could do this? I've seen a few along the roads.

[RichCor]

5 hours ago, creative1000 said:

Can anyone suggest a specific shop or know the professional name (metalsmith? welder?) [...] Maybe a metal furniture maker could do this? I've seen a few along the roads.

 

Look for a metal gate fabricator (they're everywhere).

They should be able, or know someone who can, fabricate brackets to spec.  Cost will depend on bracket thickness, grade of metal, fab process. Many metal gate fabricators also work in stainless steel. 

 

When I needed to fab up some free-standing signs I visited a couple of home building supply shops. They wanted way too much to fab, way too much to even sell me the raw steel. Interestingly they had iron brackets and rebar for 1/4 the cost so I repurposed that myself using a stick welder and a grinder.

[Yellowtail]

And if you do want to have something custom fabricated, make it out of cardboard, draw the dimensions on it and take it with you. 

[MikeN]

On 11/3/2020 at 3:49 PM, creative1000 said:

Can anyone suggest a specific shop or know the professional name (metalsmith? welder?) I can search google with?  Maybe a metal furniture maker could do this? I've seen a few along the roads.

I doubt Mr Google will be able to help you with this. If you have a metal supply store near you it would be worth asking them, maybe they know a good welder or two ? It should not be a difficult job, it’s all square cuts and 90 degree welds.

[Yellowtail]

8 hours ago, MikeN said:

I doubt Mr Google will be able to help you with this. If you have a metal supply store near you it would be worth asking them, maybe they know a good welder or two ? It should not be a difficult job, it’s all square cuts and 90 degree welds.

 

Assuming you have tubing that fits your lumber perfectly it might be pretty easy. If you have to start shearing up 15 pieces to nail together or breaking up those deep U-channels it gets a lot trickier.