dynaco1
Member
Thanks to all who shared their 80/20 experiences here. Can we share our story, too?
Plan A: We thought it would be quick and easy to buy prefabricated wooden cabinetry. We studied the flimsy construction and changed our minds.
Plan B: We decided to specify and purchase customized wooden cabinetry. We created detailed sketches, specified plywood-only construction and waited three months for delivery. What we received was flimsy drawer hardware, zip screws and very heavy 3/4" particle board construction. When we picked-up our order, the van sank an inch or more under the load. It was obvious, these cabinets would eat-up payload capacity. Now, we have 800 pounds of mostly useless cabinets taking-up floor space in the garage. Money lost and more lessons learned. Should have listened to the smart 80/20 kids.
Plan C: Incorporate 80/20 construction. New goal was to create easily removable, rigid but lightweight combination sitting/sleeping/storage benches in a dinette configuration. Storage beneath the bench lids would need to allow for a 60L Engel or ARB fridge, one 2000W Honda generator, dinette table with removable legs, snow chains, tool kit, subwoofer, Li-ion battery, blankets, clothes and dry goods.
We visited one of the two local factory-authorized 80/20 distributors for a consultation and requested some initial simple design work, for which agreed to pay if we decided against 80/20. We brought the van to their office and explained our desired goals to an 80/20 specialist. They got excited about the 80/20 solar panel racks on the roof (Hein's design). We struck-up a friendship and got comfortable going back to them for more design help. In return, they created drawings and prepared the detailed BOM.
We placed our initial order with the distributor and paid their reseller premium for this particular order, which included some factory-preassembly of certain sections. Two weeks later, we picked-up the order at the local 80/20 distributor's office. They helped load the order into the van. Great service. Well-worth the premium paid.
While some folks here prefer the 80/20 15 series (1.5"x1.5") or Metric Series, our local 80/20 specialist indicated their 10 Series (1.0"x1.0") would be strong enough for our application. He utilized 10 Series 1010-S, 1003-S and 1004-S and a few sections of 1020-S and 1012-S quarter-round on the front edges of the bench lids. Our computer-generated 80/20 bill of material indicated a combined weight of only 126.83 pounds for this portion of our project, which included two bench/beds with hinged lids 18"H x 24"D x 78" and 84"L.
When our 80/20 project was installed and fully-featured, we were pleased it weighed so much less than wooden construction but we were disappointed it cost more than we budgeted. Several things contributed to cost overrun:
1) 80/20's minimum UPS shipping charge appears to be around $12 and it adds-up quickly if you are unable to plan/think ahead and consolidate all your small parts orders into a couple or even a single shipment. UPS is often more expensive than FedEx. For us, UPS Ground deliveries take two days longer than FedEx.
Luckily, there is a Fastenal warehouse five minutes from home, where one can quickly/easily purchase fasteners that one has failed to include in 80/20 orders. Fastenal is closed when needed most...on weekends and weekdays after 5pm.
2) To save on assembly time and space, we ordered some larger 80/20 sections factory-assembled. Without prior warning, our credit card was charged over $100 for a customized wooden freight pallet.
3) We requested a firm freight quote from 80/20, which we received. Yet, our credit card was billed 20% more than the firm freight rate quoted.
4) We utilized 80/20's on-line CHAT feature for technical assistance. Generally, they are quick and helpful. Twice, we received questionable technical advice, which resulted in wasted parts and wasted money. We have received no-hassle refunds.
5) We relied on 80/20's on-line technical descriptions and suggested hardware. Occasionally, there is lack of detail or lack a warning about combing incompatible suggested parts. No big deal unless one orders dozens of suggested parts. Again, wasted time, parts and money.
We are satisfied with 80/20 quality and service (with exception of the rattling panels...still working on a solution). Again, thanks to all who shared their 80/20 experiences here.
Plan A: We thought it would be quick and easy to buy prefabricated wooden cabinetry. We studied the flimsy construction and changed our minds.
Plan B: We decided to specify and purchase customized wooden cabinetry. We created detailed sketches, specified plywood-only construction and waited three months for delivery. What we received was flimsy drawer hardware, zip screws and very heavy 3/4" particle board construction. When we picked-up our order, the van sank an inch or more under the load. It was obvious, these cabinets would eat-up payload capacity. Now, we have 800 pounds of mostly useless cabinets taking-up floor space in the garage. Money lost and more lessons learned. Should have listened to the smart 80/20 kids.
Plan C: Incorporate 80/20 construction. New goal was to create easily removable, rigid but lightweight combination sitting/sleeping/storage benches in a dinette configuration. Storage beneath the bench lids would need to allow for a 60L Engel or ARB fridge, one 2000W Honda generator, dinette table with removable legs, snow chains, tool kit, subwoofer, Li-ion battery, blankets, clothes and dry goods.
We visited one of the two local factory-authorized 80/20 distributors for a consultation and requested some initial simple design work, for which agreed to pay if we decided against 80/20. We brought the van to their office and explained our desired goals to an 80/20 specialist. They got excited about the 80/20 solar panel racks on the roof (Hein's design). We struck-up a friendship and got comfortable going back to them for more design help. In return, they created drawings and prepared the detailed BOM.
We placed our initial order with the distributor and paid their reseller premium for this particular order, which included some factory-preassembly of certain sections. Two weeks later, we picked-up the order at the local 80/20 distributor's office. They helped load the order into the van. Great service. Well-worth the premium paid.
While some folks here prefer the 80/20 15 series (1.5"x1.5") or Metric Series, our local 80/20 specialist indicated their 10 Series (1.0"x1.0") would be strong enough for our application. He utilized 10 Series 1010-S, 1003-S and 1004-S and a few sections of 1020-S and 1012-S quarter-round on the front edges of the bench lids. Our computer-generated 80/20 bill of material indicated a combined weight of only 126.83 pounds for this portion of our project, which included two bench/beds with hinged lids 18"H x 24"D x 78" and 84"L.
When our 80/20 project was installed and fully-featured, we were pleased it weighed so much less than wooden construction but we were disappointed it cost more than we budgeted. Several things contributed to cost overrun:
1) 80/20's minimum UPS shipping charge appears to be around $12 and it adds-up quickly if you are unable to plan/think ahead and consolidate all your small parts orders into a couple or even a single shipment. UPS is often more expensive than FedEx. For us, UPS Ground deliveries take two days longer than FedEx.
Luckily, there is a Fastenal warehouse five minutes from home, where one can quickly/easily purchase fasteners that one has failed to include in 80/20 orders. Fastenal is closed when needed most...on weekends and weekdays after 5pm.
2) To save on assembly time and space, we ordered some larger 80/20 sections factory-assembled. Without prior warning, our credit card was charged over $100 for a customized wooden freight pallet.
3) We requested a firm freight quote from 80/20, which we received. Yet, our credit card was billed 20% more than the firm freight rate quoted.
4) We utilized 80/20's on-line CHAT feature for technical assistance. Generally, they are quick and helpful. Twice, we received questionable technical advice, which resulted in wasted parts and wasted money. We have received no-hassle refunds.
5) We relied on 80/20's on-line technical descriptions and suggested hardware. Occasionally, there is lack of detail or lack a warning about combing incompatible suggested parts. No big deal unless one orders dozens of suggested parts. Again, wasted time, parts and money.
We are satisfied with 80/20 quality and service (with exception of the rattling panels...still working on a solution). Again, thanks to all who shared their 80/20 experiences here.
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