Construction with gussets and bolts

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

Tapping 1/8" aluminum for machine screws is an exercise in futility - for any thing heftier than holding an encoder in place, they're almost certain to be stripped out, or rattle loose, or both. Always end in steel, or 1/4"+ aluminum.

I have to respectfully disagree. I've tapped 1/8 aluminum quite successfully in every thread from #4-40 up to 1/4-20 and it works just fine if you're careful about it.