Question about 20 gauge stainless.
 

I want to make some 304 mirror stainless trim in 20 gauge. I dont have any to experiment with. I can shear and bend 18 ga steel with no problem. I will need to roll a 2" radius on the bottom and hope to be able to do this in my magnabend.

My question is this: is 18 ga (.050) cold roll similar in workability to 20 ga (.038) 304 stainless?

Second question: is anyone coming to the Redneck Roundup have any 20 guage they could sell me? Doesnt need to be polished.

I just want to be sure I can do this before I order a bunch of really expensive metal.

Kerry, I have a 21 x 36 x .040 (19 gauge) piece of stainless that hasn’t been used since it’s been here. If you pay the shipping you’re welcome to it. I have some pri-mail game board boxes that ship at the large flat rate, can hold 11-1/2 x 23-1/2 sizes. I shipped an entire 4 x 8 sheet of 19 ga AKDQ to someone using this box (cut down to those sizes, of course)

Stainless
 

Kerry,

Stainless is a lot harder to work with than carbon steel. Doesn't want to move and has quite a bit of spring back.

You didn't state what the trim will be used for. If you need strength, 20 ga. is pretty strong. If for decorative purpose, 26 ga. (.018) will be a better choice.

I'll see if I have a piece of 20 ga. laying around, if so I'll bring it to The Red Neck Roundup. I'll let you know in advance.

Duck

The nickel and chrome content enables that material to work harden quickly, gets twice as hard as mild steel in half (or a quarter) the time.
Even fully annealed does not gain much.
Those with experience shape it hot, or go thin.
:):)

I'm interested in making what is called RV Armor for my, and a few friends, motorhomes. It looks like some of the
Stuff on this page

http://www.rvstainless.com/Stainless...5/Default.aspx

Mine will have about a 2 inch radius on the bottom.

Jim Hery offered me a piece of 20 gauge stainless but if you have some Duck please bring it.. I'm not sure how much testing and experimenting it's going to take.

The summit stuff is 18 ga 304...water jet cut. I know I can't handle that bend. I have some 26 ga but I'm not sure it will look right....I'll try it The lengths vary from 3" to 80 inches. I can get it sheared in 8x92" and cut to width. Enough to do one inch is about $500.

Damaging the surface during the bending is a concern. The stainless will have a film but I don't know if it will be enough.

Stainless
 

Kerry,

I thought that I had some 20 ga. but the thinnest I have is 16 ga. Way too heavy.

Sorry,

Duck

Kerry
Do you have any milk factories in your area, I worked in one for 30 years
and they accumulate heaps of scrap stainless they usually have a graveyard someware because a lot of this stainless can be reused.
I have a few sheets of 22G 304 stainless cladding that came off the sides of Powder Spray Driers that have had alterations or repairs

I have been buying 4x8 sheets of 20 Ga polished from a horse trailer factory.
I think I gave 335.00 for the last sheet. I use it behind plasma cut signs to make the letters stand out. It comes in a bundle of 100 sheets and they buy lots of it. It comes from Ryerson in Atlanta,Ga. I think they use a plastic die in the brake. Ryerson asked me almost a thousand for one sheet.