Fabricating steel stand - which steel do I buy?

[kamloops_reefer]

Originally Posted by Myka

Thanks for all the input guys! I'll see what I can find...steel store was closed today anyway. *sigh*

36 x 21"?? Really?

yes steel shops don't typically work weekends

1-1/2" x 1/8" wall is just the minimum I'd go - just looks nice IMO

anything less is like using a 2x2 piece of wood - sure it will hold.... but doesn't look like it would

[The Grizz]

Sorry Mindy I hadn't replied yet, I am on my first holiday in 9 yrs in South Africa for 14 days.

You can get away with 1" tube with a minimum of a 1/8" wall thickness. If you are putting any kind of covering on the stand it will help to support it from any movement. If you are concerned about it 1 1/2" x .100 wall tube is the best choice, keeps the stand light but still has more then enough support.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by spit.fire

Mines 36x18 but I could extend it pretty easily

True enough, too bad you're there and I'm here.

Originally Posted by kamloops_reefer

yes steel shops don't typically work weekends

1-1/2" x 1/8" wall is just the minimum I'd go - just looks nice IMO

anything less is like using a 2x2 piece of wood - sure it will hold.... but doesn't look like it would

It'll be covered, I don't care it will look like. I kind of like the "that won't work" look anyway. HA!

Originally Posted by The Grizz

Sorry Mindy I hadn't replied yet, I am on my first holiday in 9 yrs in South Africa for 14 days.

You can get away with 1" tube with a minimum of a 1/8" wall thickness. If you are putting any kind of covering on the stand it will help to support it from any movement. If you are concerned about it 1 1/2" x .100 wall tube is the best choice, keeps the stand light but still has more then enough support.

Awesome Greg!!! Have enough fun for me too! Oh, and take pics so you can share them with us!

The covering will be attached with magnets, so it will provide no support. I guess I should have mentioned that.

From everyone's input, I think I'll go with the 1" and get one size up from the 1/8" thickness (whatever that is). Maybe I will put some 45 degree braces in most of the corners too just for poops and giggles. Now I just need to rent a steel chop saw (whatever that's called).

[TimT]

If you have a mitre saw just get a 10" cut off blade.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by TimT

If you have a mitre saw just get a 10" cut off blade.

True. I was thinking the clamp on the steel saws would come in handy while I'm trying to cut 45s. Is there not a lot of pull on the steel when doing 45s? I'll be able to hang onto it ok?

[TimT]

Not sure but I suspect it would be the same as cutting wood. Could always use a c clamp on the fence.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by TimT

Not sure but I suspect it would be the same as cutting wood. Could always use a c clamp on the fence.

Smrt. I have no steel smrts.

[TimT]

Originally Posted by Myka

I have no steel smrts.

Just think of steel like it's Ironwood. Then your wood smrts will kick in.

[Myka]

Ha!

[Myka]

Of course it turns out "the next size up" isn't a common size. So I'm going with 1" with 1.125 thickness. I'll use some bracing. Hopefully it will be ok.