suggestions for steel sizes

mkatts

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Feb 14, 2007

94

11

Columbus, OH

• Dec 25, 2007

• #1

I have a Chargriller smokin pro with side fire box. I don't like the under carriage it came with. I want to build my own under carriage. Add some better wheels and better shelves on the side and front.

So my question is, would 1.25"x1.25"x16 guage be heavy enough square tubing for the job? I will use angle iron for the shelves. I am just wondering what would be strong enough for the under carriage without going to over board.

 

richtee

Epic Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Aug 12, 2007

10,682

29

N. Oakland County, MI

• Dec 25, 2007

• #2

Depends on the construction/design plans. You could park a semi on 16Ga., if ya build it right. I'd go heavier, if only for drilling/tapping purposes. If none of that is needed, design it well, and it'll stand.

 

mkatts

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 14, 2007

94

11

Columbus, OH

• Dec 25, 2007

• #3

Almost forgot, Anyone know a good place locally in Columbus, OH? I found square stock on line, 6 ft pieces $11.22 a piece plus shipping. Shiping for 15 pieces was $30.
And what type of steel should I look for? Colr-rolled or hot rolled? Does it matter? Price is the same.

 

richtee

Epic Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Aug 12, 2007

10,682

29

N. Oakland County, MI

• Dec 25, 2007

• #4

Cold rolled is HARD stuff. Hard to drill, tap, and harder to cut. You welding or what? A plan, man.. A PLAN! Then intelligent discourse can proceed.

 

morkdach

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Apr 8, 2007

2,255

13

mid kansas

• Dec 25, 2007

• #5

16 ga is plenty strong hot or cold rolled is inmaterial in this case check phone book for local steel supply company ask if they have any drops in lengths you could use save a few bucks and still make nice under carriage.

 

mkatts

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 14, 2007

94

11

Columbus, OH

• Dec 25, 2007

• #6

yea, will be using a mig welder. I have always welded with whatever scrap metal was around the barn. Never knew a designation of hot or cold rolled steel.
Thanks!

 

richtee

Epic Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Aug 12, 2007

10,682

29

N. Oakland County, MI

• Dec 25, 2007

• #7

I would argue it IS material if he's planning on bolting it together. Ever drilled cold rolled? Sheesh!

 

richtee

Epic Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Aug 12, 2007

10,682

29

N. Oakland County, MI

• Dec 25, 2007

• #8

Ahhh then use the cold... stronger per weight as it's cold worked during forming, making it stronger than hot. Hot is more ductile, EG, will give more, and drill/tap easier. there's the difference in the two.

On Edit: Perhaps use hot for anything you need to drill...supports for wood worktops, tool handles, etc. Hot can be welded to cold, of course.

 

mkatts

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 14, 2007

94

11

Columbus, OH

• Dec 25, 2007

• #9

Glad I am not the only one on here on Christmas day! Looks like we are posting over each other! LOL
Thanks Richtee and Morkdach

 

morkdach

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Apr 8, 2007

2,255

13

mid kansas

• Dec 25, 2007

• #10

opps sorry man cold rolled is harder to drill and tap but still possiable

 

richtee

Epic Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Aug 12, 2007

10,682

29

N. Oakland County, MI

• Dec 25, 2007

• #11

No apology necc. it's just if he was drilling 47 quarter inch bolt holes, he'd be cussing that cold rolled from there to Ann Arbor...heh!

 

zapper

Smoking Fanatic

OTBS Member

Apr 23, 2007

585

11

Just south of Hotlanta

• Dec 25, 2007

• #12

Me big Ohff... Me need thicker metal to weld...16 Ga. too tricky for me. Wire feeder go right thru the thin stuff. (Shucks folks, I can burn right thru battle ship plate given a chance0

 

kookie

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Mar 27, 2007

2,850

10

Mandan North Dakota

• Dec 26, 2007

• #13

welding the thin metal isn't to bad. You just need to turn the heat down and set the speed to the right setting. And use the right wire. I just welded a draew from my tool chest, never burned through and I suck with the wire feed. I grow up stick welding. Still trying to learn how to properly wire feed.

 

mkatts

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 14, 2007

94

11

Columbus, OH

• Dec 26, 2007

• #14

I an average with both. Welded exaust pipe, so I figured this would be any worse.

Another question alons the same lines...
I am going also build a firebasket. What guage expanded metal would be best for the bottom and sides? I was thinking of using the biggest stuff the home deport or lowes offers then reinforce it with thick rebar on the bottom. The biggest stuff the either store offers seems kind of thin.