I don't have exacts but it's like 33 inches wide and about 9-10 inches deep.

 

thanks, lookin into something similar

 

I see you went with the rough country 9500 lb winch I saw there 12000 lb winch was only 100 dollars more how come you didn't go with that one? Heck for another 100 bucks you could of had an extra 1500 lb's of pulling power. Would you happen to know how much bigger there 12000 lb winch is over the 9500 lb winch? Cause that's the one im lookin at getting.

 

Good start! Looking forward to seeing more progress.

 

Yeah I looked at that but I woulda got the synthetic 9500 before the 12000. Just don't feel like I need that much pull.

 

For those of you waiting for updates here ya go.

This is where I quit for the night. Worked on it for about 8 hours today and the sad part is that while I was cutting stuff, my dad was welding...lol!

I did get the cardboard template cut out for the top sheet metal but there's still ALOT of grinding left to do before I can even think about the top panel! Well I hope y'all enjoy!

 

Looks good, I'm interested to see it on the jeep

 

That's looking great man, keep us posted on the progress..i'm curious to how hard it would be for me to make one...my latest fab was something small and easy (CB antenna mount off the tail light) that I got bored and made so maybe, I could do something this big? But, i'm only 16 so thats why i'm curious! lol

 

Honestly I borrowed my cousin's mig welder in hopes of learning how to weld BUT being all the stressed that'll be placed on the frame mounts and winch mount I wanted my dad to weld those portions. Well him being the take charge kinda guy that he is just kept welding the whole thing. I haven't done a full weld yet! I also kinda wanted to use this project as an opportunity to learn to weld. Doesn't look like that'll happen! Lol! I just get to do all the grinding which is alot! It's not "hard" to build. A little patience, ingenuity and imagination, and some perfectionism and you're good to go! Lol

 

Wow, you made a good amount of progress! Are you adding any more support to the sides (connecting the rear plate and the front)? If not, you may want to seriously consider it for some extra strength. Overall though, it's a nice design.
If you're wanting to learn welding, get some spare pieces of steel (scrap from your build cuts) and have your dad teach you technique (pushing/pulling the bead, proper wire speed, correct "crescent" movement, etc) on those. You can get some really good practice in and not have to worry about making mistakes on the bumper itself. Biggest thing is to keep doing it. The more you do the better you'll get as long as you keep trying to make better and better welds.

 

what he said^ just start welding scrap together thats how i started hell 10 years ago now (feeling old all of a sudden at 25) also if you can grab another mask watch your dad weld so you have a better idea what it should look like while welding not just after..

 

and one more tip.....listen to the weld often for me i can tell more from the sound then anything...should sound clean and consistant i don't know how to explain but you will understand when you start really listening to it

 

Thanks guys! My dad is a stick welder so he's had to do some adjusting with the mig as well. The few welds I have done actually look really good! I think he's having more trouble adjusting than I'll have learning! Lol! But I have to admit that his welds are solid.

I'm not quite sure I'm understanding the question about supporting the back plate but if you look in one of the pics you can see the square tube running from that outer plate to the frame plate. It'll also have the top plate and gussets added for extra support

 

Got a little done today. Just need to back fill a few welds and fab up the top plate. Should be done Sunday!

 

Looks good. I am brain storming on a winch bumper myself. Great ideas, can't wait to see the finished product. Oh just a note on painting, don't forget to get the scale off the steel. I know it has been mentioned a few times but since you are at this point, this is worth looking at. Here is the link to Millscale, hope it helps. http://www.duluxprotectivecoatings.com.au/technotespdf/1.1.4%20Millscale.pdf