Posted by Joe lorenzino on Friday, November 22, 2002 at 5:45PM :
In Reply to: Re: QUESTION: Sheet metal guage thickness.. posted by Dean Labbe on Friday, November 22, 2002 at 4:39PM :
16ga should be about.060"-.062" and is available in many different finishes:
Hot Rolled- the most common /least expensive type. It is cocered with a black oxide Mill Scale (dark grey coloured) skin from the rolling process. Mill scale flakes off when bent or formed, and rusts from underneath, which can lead to pitting. What we build toolboxes from.
Cold rolled: more expensive because it has been through at least one more rolling process, but it is slightly stronger,and SHINY as the aditional rolling knocks the mill scale off. Usually protected with thin oil coat to prevent imediate rusting. Very nice to work with, but needs to be cleaned and primed to prevent rust
Satin Finish: Has a flash coating of zinc to prevent rust, but a much smoother surface than Galvanized. Easy to work with and weld, but may require a special primer when painting. Great for "on-going projects" that take a while to finish as it has a rust protective surface.
In any case, if you are buying a sheet of steel for Bodywork, INSIST on inspecting it for damages YOURSELF before you buy. A lot of steel yards do not treat "thin" material (1/8" or less)with any form of respect, and we often get sheets at work where we have to "work around" the dents caused by careless handling. For a lot of industrial uses, a couple of dents/ scrapes are not a problem, but for bodywork always start with a GOOD sheet because the paint will really show it off if you did't. J.V.L.