Greetings / Compressor Tank Build

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Hey gang...wondering what everyone is paying for steel these days...I'm looking at 63 bucks for a 24x24 1/4" steel plate.  That seem reasonable to what everyone is paying?
 
 
175.00 here in Beaumont Texas for a 48" x 96" sheet of 1/4"
:O  I'm not talking a full sheet...this was just 24x24 for 60 bucks.  I need to call around some more...there virtually steel mills in my back yard...don't understand why the cost is so high....it's not like I'm living in Argentina ;)

Thanks for the replies guys!
 
Buy a sheet it is cheaper. If I were to ask a sheet metal shop for a 24" x 24" it would be at your price or more they have overhead. Warehouse the rest and use it for future projects.
 
The two places I've checked don't carry full sheets.  A 2' cube should use a full sheet so I wouldn't even have to worry about storing anything :)   More telephone calls tomorrow....
 
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Next question...FB to CC junction.  In this picture...the inside of the firebox is orange, the top of the FB is yellow, and the inside of the tank is an off white:


I'm planning on leaving the top section (yellow) in place.  Perhaps a good place to put a pan of water?  Since I will also put a deflector plate to channel the air/smoke under my tuning plates...it doesn't make sense to cut it away.  Just wanted to double check that I'm not making a mistake in thinking this way....
 
Looks like basically you, me and Kam are about the only ones visiting the site lately. I don't have any input to help you because I'm a newbie but I'm following your build. Good thing we have Kam here to help. I have been researching other sites as well and seen his work over there. He is an awesome pit builder and helpful on every site.
 
Firebox steel...I keep reading that the thicker the better and that makes sense...but would there really be significant difference between 3/16 and 1/4?  My CC is 3/16...so is it really worth the extra money and weight to build the FB out of 1/4" plate?
 
Looks like basically you, me and Kam are about the only ones visiting the site lately. I don't have any input to help you because I'm a newbie but I'm following your build. Good thing we have Kam here to help. I have been researching other sites as well and seen his work over there. He is an awesome pit builder and helpful on every site.
I've been following the whole thing, but I'm a long way from my build, so I'm just reading as many threads as I can...
 
 
Firebox steel...I keep reading that the thicker the better and that makes sense...but would there really be significant difference between 3/16 and 1/4?  My CC is 3/16...so is it really worth the extra money and weight to build the FB out of 1/4" plate?

1/4" all day long as a minimum for me. I have a 5/16" on my 24" x 55" and the difference in it and 1/4" is night and day.
 
The thicker the material means less chance of movement once built, better heat retention, longer overall life of the firebox. While the heat retention is at a minimal when your'e talking a 1/16" of an inch it is there some.
 
 
Get a 4" cut off wheel for your grinder. Slice down along the bottom plate next to the weld on both sides once this is done and both plates off and your'e left with just the tank welds to grind smooth.

I hope this helps.
Seems to me I recognize an Old Acquaintance posting here on these Forums...

I can assure You that this Individual is no stranger to the Welding/Barbecue/Competition Venue>

I have been associated with kam59 for MANY years and I am Proud to name him a Friend and a Brother...Ain't No BullDingy!

Happy to see You posting here, Kevin...Knowing that You are at the Helm of steering folks on the correct course of where they need to be , I'll let you continue Navigation towards that end. 

Best Regards Always,

Tony   ( p.s.   Hugs to Debbie and the Kids!)
 
Hello Tony my old Friend. 
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  It is good to hear from you I look forward to helping folks here as I always do on the ring.
 
 
Hello Tony my old Friend. 
beercheer.gif
  It is good to hear from you I look forward to helping folks here as I always do on the ring.
Yup...I Hear 'Ya Loud and Clear, Brother! 
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Helpin' Folks (In the Many ways you and Debbie do best) is Why We come to THESE FORUM pages, Eh Brother? 
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Lookin' forward to continuing our past (And Present!) Relationship!
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Best Regards!

Tony 
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