I am building a woodshed, using 4 X 6 's as the super-structure. I need a strong method of joining the posts together, and plan to use steel straps T-shaped brackets, and L-shaped brackets at various places to join some of the posts.
I am looking for heavy-duty brackets and straps, probably 3/16 of an inch thick. Widths would be in the three-inch range and the lengths would vary from 5 to 8 inches or so. Simpson products are not what I wish to use, I want something that not only is more robust in terms of strength, but also will have the rustic, heavy-duty "look." Unless they come painted black, I plan to paint them black, so I guess they will look like wrought iron.
I can't find anywhere to puchase this type of product. Before posting here, I have googled "post brackets", "angle brackets" , "construction brackets" and many other similar descriptions, but I cannot find anywhere near what I am looking for.
Yes, I know that I can make up drawings and go to a machine shop and have some stuff made up, but I am sure it would be cheaper and save me some time if I could find a source for these items.
Do any of you have any ideas of locating a source for what I am looking for ??
Thanks for any suggestions !!!
--James--