DIY GoBilda 1106 Beams with 8mm Aluminum Tubing

{1106 in action}

I’ve started building my own version of the GoBilda 1106 beams, using 8mm aluminum tubing drilled with 4mm holes. It’s a cost-effective alternative to buying the original components, and so far, it’s been working great.

The Process

To ensure the holes are clean, evenly spaced, and properly aligned, I designed a 3D printed jig. This jig holds small bushings in place to guide the drill bit perfectly through the center of the tubing.

{3D printed Jig}

The jig:

• Holds the 8mm tubing snugly.
• Uses metal bushings to prevent wear from the drill bit.
• Ensures each hole is perfectly perpendicular.

Once the jig is clamped in place, I can quickly drill out each 4mm hole with confidence that they’ll line up accurately.

Why Do This?

• Cost Savings: Aluminum tubing and a little time are way cheaper than buying the original beams.
• Customization: I can control the length and hole spacing to fit my projects.
• Learning & Fun: Plus, it’s a great excuse to design and print tools that make fabrication easier.

Next Steps

I might design additional jigs for drilling cross holes or even tapping threads directly into the tubing.

If you’re interested in the 3D print files for the jig or the process I used, let me know in the comments!