Optimum steel for single tier

[Tomtanner]

Hello,

Going to steel outlet to get steel for brew rig soon. I am beginning to finalize my design for a single tier stand and am curious what the optimum size of tube steel to use in my design. I am just learning to weld and am not too familiar with my steel options. I am using a cheaper flux core welder so probably don't want anything too thick..... I am using three 15.5 gallon keggles for my project and would like to do 10 gallon recipes. Using three banjo burners and two march pumps. I will attach casters to the bottom as well.

Ok that's all I can think of for now, any advice on the size and type of steel I should use?

 

[Bobby_M]

My opinion is that they are often way overbuilt emulating the Brutus with 2" square tube. I'd go 1.5" square, .065 wall or 1" square with .12" wall.

 

[Huaco]

I plan on using 1.5x14 ga square tube and 1.25x14 ga square tube for my single tier. Now... if I were taking into consideration "Looks" I would go all 2" sq. tube. It just looks more proportional... I am using what I am using because I ordered the steel for another project (since abandoned) and it only cost me 30 bucks for (1) stick of each size. I have PLENTY of scrap angle in the scrap piles at work and plan to use angle as my vertical members.

 

[gunmetal]

My opinion is that they are often way overbuilt emulating the Brutus with 2" square tube. I'd go 1.5" square, .065 wall or 1" square with .12" wall.

I agree the 2" looks almost overbuilt. A 1.5" frame is plenty beefy, especially with a .12 wall. The .065 is not necessarily easier to weld, but it is easier to burn through, especially for a newb welder. However, .12 does make the stand considerably heavier, if you are taking it back and forth from inside in the winter to outside in the summer (ELECTRIC ONLY).

 

[TopherM]

Kryptonite is probably the best...keeps that fruit in the spandex away from your brew.........

 

[evandena]

I'm about to place an order for 1.5" 16ga.

 

[Tomtanner]

Lots of great advice fellas. I appreciate all of the input. I'll stick with 1.5 tube unless supply is low for some reason. Even though it is heavier I will use the heavier gauge steel due to my weak welding skills. .... It just seems easier for me actually weld the heavier stuff. Thanks again guys, as always this forum never lets me down.