What can I reuse or buy for a flat piece of sheet metal 30 by 48?

[ebinmaine 67,019]

I know we all have different sources and resources and things that we use to make stuff out of.

I'd really like to try to reuse or recycle something.

 

I need a couple pieces of sheet metal. One to line the bottom of the trailer that I am remaking. The other is to use as a reinforcement for a seat base area.

 

I know that the gauge of a metal refers to its thickness but I don't know what those numbers are in relation to inches or fractions or thousands. I guess I want something that is around the same thickness as a seat pan.

 

What do you all use as flat Ish sheet metal??

[JoeM 7,871]

EB, 16 gauge is about 1/16" thick. 11 gauge is 1/8" thick. the lower the number the thicker the metal.

I would say 16 gauge for the cart is fine.

 

[953 nut 54,844]

If you know someone in the heat and air conditioning business the flat side panels from large commercial AC units that you would see on the roof of stores are a good source. They tend to be thicker and easy to come by when a unit is replaced.

[Ed Kennell 37,869]

I buy large electrical cabinets at the scrap yards.   I used these steel panels to make several  two piece  seat pans.

 

Making a pattern from an existing seat. 

Then lay out the seat on the steel cabinet door.

[Kenneth R Cluley 515]

Easy way Rule of Thumb, Number represents 1" divided by gauge. ie. 16 gauge = 1/16". Those cabinet doors look like prime material to me, heavy gauge, galvanized or painted, great source. and probably priced right too. 

[WHNJ701 4,165]

probably shouldn't say it but if you have connections to old street and road signs they make great flat panels for projects

[squonk 40,913]

10 hours ago, 953 nut said:

If you know someone in the heat and air conditioning business the flat side panels from large commercial AC units that you would see on the roof of stores are a good source. They tend to be thicker and easy to come by when a unit is replaced.

No wonder when I go on a no AC call, all that's left is the compressor!  

[ACman 7,606]

Did Jim @WHX19 fix those  !...... 

[squonk 40,913]

[Shynon 7,456]

2 hours ago, ACman said:

Did Jim @WHX19 fix those  !...... 

[ebinmaine 67,019]

@Ed Kennell nice work there as usual.

I'll make a call or two and see what they have.

 

19 hours ago, jabelman said:

probably shouldn't say it but if you have connections to old street and road signs they make great flat panels for projects

I had that thought too but I don't have any connections there.

 

 

10 hours ago, squonk said:

No wonder when I go on a no AC call, all that's left is the compressor!  

These are the new light weight style units for ummm... Energy savings.  Yesah.

 

[JPWH 6,021]

Also check at jobsite dumpsters where renovation is going on, or with electrical contractors.