A little OT, Geometric Braniac needed for angular

I am in the process of doing some metal fabrication work and need to make a gusset out of 2 1/2" heavy angle iron.

The gusset fills a 90 degree joint. Yet if cutting the angles at 45 degrees, once the piece is laid in place it doesn't fit up because the sides of the gusset are now laying at 45 degrees to the metal rather than at a right angle.

Does anyone have an idea what the angle is that the piece has to be cut at to fit up properly.

I hope I have explained this so that it can be understood.

The precise answer to your question as first shown is 38.7 degrees - 38 deg say. That's the angle that you show as a question mark in your drawing. The 52 deg that you mention (actually 51.3 deg) is the complement of the 38 deg (90-52=38).

Rod

Flathead

First we need to define your project as you have shown and stated two different problems to solve.

#1 Your picture shows a angle greater than 90� that needs a gusset made from 2-1/2" angle. Your gusset layout as shown is wrong.

#2 Your words say you need a 90� angle with a gusset made from 2-1/2" angle iron.

Once your problem is defined, either #1 or #2 then it's easy to solve.

T_Bone

I think he used the best way to find what he needs, though. Paper templates.

I run into these math (geometric) problems from time to time, too. So, I just make up atemplate and assume that I just made a mathematical error somewhere's.

Hope this helps. John, PA

((now if you were building it outa wood, you know you wouldn"t have this trubble!!))

Good luck Mr. Puttz -- I think yer on the right track.

dll

It was not 38 degrees but 7 degrees the other way from 45 which was 52 or somewhere thereabouts.

After I cut a paper one there was nowhere I could make it show 38.

I think I got it now. Thanks.

here's the paper template gusseting a 90 degree joint. It could be off a smidgen or two but it's real close.