.050 Aluminum, anyone used it?

[halfdome, Danny]

I've been searching on the Internet in vain for .040 5'x12' aluminum for the roof of my next build. I found one place locally that carries .050 5'x12' sheets for $135.66 each. They weigh in at 42# each so it would add about 63# including the hatch. I know we are talking of .010 of an inch over .040 but has anyone used .050 on a radius and how small of one. I had to struggle to bend .040 on my rear roll pan but it worked. Danny

[toypusher]

Danny,

I use 0.60 for my roof on my Cubby, but it does not have any tight radius. (see avatar)

[mallett]

I used .050 on my top and had no trouble bending it. I could not find .040 in 5' widths.

mallett

[Gage]

Aw, I guess I'm not the only one who had problems finding a piece of .040 alum. (5'x12') for the roof. I also ended up with .060 alum. Little more work rolling it over the front, but it worked. So .050 should be a little easier.

[halfdome, Danny]

Thanks guys, just what I wanted to hear. Mallett, is that .050 on the tongue box? That looks like a sharp radius.
Now I've got to go inspect what they are offering. Don't want a disaster like the .040 on my first TD. It should be good, it's from Alaska Copper & Steel in Seattle. Danny

[Sonetpro]

I used .063 on the top. I did like Gage did with the cross boards and straps. It was a bear but doable.

[mallett]

Thanks guys, just what I wanted to hear. Mallett, is that .050 on the tongue box? That looks like a sharp radius.
Now I've got to go inspect what they are offering. Don't want a disaster like the .040 on my first TD. It should be good, it's from Alaska Copper & Steel in Seattle. Danny

That's .040 on the tongue box.

[dhazard]

Danny have you tried looking for Stainless Steel?

[halfdome, Danny]

Danny have you tried looking for Stainless Steel?

Dan, I asked about stainless and it doesn't come in 5x10. Also the guy said it's way more expensive than aluminum and real heavy. Ed Ester of "Tears 4 Two" in Seattle Puts SS on the roof of his tears and now that he has gone to 5x8 TD's he has to run the SS across the roof with a seam. I don't want any roof seams, not my style if you know what I mean. Danny

[dhazard]

I found a place in Livermore CA that had 5 X 10 polished SS I think it was .032” for about $260 a sheet. My trailer is 5’2” so I sat down and started turning, and turning…

[grant whipp]

So, here's a question for you all:

How far are you willing to drive to get 5'x12'x.040" aluminum sheets? I've got a source, but I've got to buy 25-50 sheets ... so if anyone in the western states wants to drive to Redding, CA, to pick some up, let me know ... ...

CHEERS!

Grant

[halfdome, Danny]

So, here's a question for you all:

How far are you willing to drive to get 5'x12'x.040" aluminum sheets? I've got a source, but I've got to buy 25-50 sheets ... so if anyone in the western states wants to drive to Redding, CA, to pick some up, let me know ... ...

CHEERS!

Grant

Sounds great Grant but it's 567 miles one way & at $3 and up for gas it would be over $200 to dive my pick up down there and back. I paid almost the same exact dollars for that scratched up 103" x 144" .040 two years ago. I consider $135.66 for a 5x12 of .050 a good price.
I hope this stuff in Seattle is nice Danny

[rainjer]

Danny, check

Ryerson
600 S.W. 10th Street
Renton, WA 98057-2987
206-624-2300
425-204-2603 Fax

and

Copper & Brass Sales
22355 W 11 Mile Road
Southfield, MI, 48033
Sales: (800) 926-2600
Fax: (888) 926-2600

They are both companies we deal with at my work. Also, what alloy & temper are you looking at? Do you want mill finish or Clad? Do you plan on polishing it? If you are you my want to go with clad. It scratches easier but is easier to polish.

Jeremy

[halfdome, Danny]

Thanks Jeremy , I'll check them out.
I called a lot of companies yesterday that don't carry it or deal with small timers like me. Danny

[rainjer]

Thanks Jeremy , I'll check them out.
I called a lot of companies yesterday that don't carry it or deal with small timers like me. Danny

Tell them you are building a prototype & they you may need a whole lot more down the road. Have the quote 1 to 5 sheets, 6 to 10 sheet & 11+ at a time. Sometimes you have to stretch the truth.... we buy single sheet all the time with the option of buying more down the road.