Sheet Metal?

[HaroRider]

I want to make something similar to this

http://www.harborfreight.com/magnetic-spray-can-and-screwdriver-holder-69320.html

One with a magnet and recessed holes, but for maybe 5 or 6 cans. I cant seem to find one. So I decided I will make one, but where can I get the metal to do it?
How thin/thick does it need to be?

 

[BD1]

The HF one say it's 19 gauge. I would say 20 gauge would work.

Do you have any sheet metal shops nearby ? I don't think you'll find 20 gauge at the big box stores.

 

[HaroRider]

Hmm I guess I would need to look, was just curious if there was a box store that sold sheet metal. Whats generally the thinnest they have?

 

[Barlow L]

do you have a scrap/recyclers yard near you? That's where I get most of my small project material from.

Box store metal seems to dang expensive to me.

 

[rockwithjason]

https://www.blazinbelltech.com/mobile-cleaning.html#canbottle

like these?

 

[dr_clyde]

Don't buy metal from a box store. It's a massive rip off.

Find a sheetmetal shop that does walk in work and make friends. Very valuable resource. Having steel sheared and bent straight is super handy.

My go to gage for shop fixtures is 16 ga, and I usually make stuff out of steel with the trade name "paintlock" or "galvanneal". It's easier to paint and doesn't rust readily if I decide to wait on the paint. Its similar to a galvanized steel, but isnt shiny and saves me the primer step. If you're planning on powdercoating, use steel that's been pickled to remove the scale. Just ask for P&O. Pickled and oiled.

20 gage is pretty thin stuff. Unless you're bending it yourself on a really small brake, go with something thicker.

 

[HMCFab9]

Menards / fleet farm, etc all sell small pieces of sheet, but it's a huge rip-off.
Go to a steel supplier & pick out of their "drop" pile. That's the cheapest you will get.
Just so you know though.... by the time you run there to get steel, buy it, form it, weld it & paint it.... you coulda just bought one a lot cheaper.
It is fun to build something exactly how you want it though.

 

[TeleDave]

Zoro Tools has a 6-can holder for $10.15:

DURHAM CAN CADDIE

 

[Kevin54]

TSC sells sheet metal

 

[turbowoodworker]

The way your question is asked (OP), makes me wonder if you have access to a brake and large punch or hole saw. Like others have said, by the time you get it done for you, you could buy several and weld the together or go with a larger model like the Durham set.

I had this idea with a rack for my T handled drivers but ultimately just welded the racks together and painted them.

These types of items like the glove box holders at HF are so cheap on sale or with a coupon it doesn't pay to make it yourself...except for practice and the fun of doing it. Priceless.

 

[48Classic]

I thought of purchasing those also, I figured I needed about 10 racks. I finally started using a beer 6 pack holder, I guess I am cheep.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lilredex]

Look around on garbage day. This is some free stuff I got around the corner and is mostly 18 Ga....quite suitable for your needs.

Those holes are not round, you need to drill them with a hole saw at that angle....not a fun project. Having screw drivers going through two holes will quickly piss you off too!!



http://www.frets.com/HomeShopTech/ShopTips/092.html

 

[Kevin54]

Zoro Tools has a 6-can holder for $10.15:

DURHAM CAN CADDIE

They carry one almost identical to that at WallyWorld. Not sure of the price though.

 

[bad_idea]

I would say this is a good project for leftover material, not as a primary project. You can buy a 4x8 sheet of 20 gauge for about $55. I just bought a sheet a couple months ago for repairing the floor pans on my 79 Camaro. This is my first sheet metal project, and let me tell you, it is a PITA.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I would say this is a good project for leftover material, not as a primary project. You can buy a 4x8 sheet of 20 gauge for about $55. I just bought a sheet a couple months ago for repairing the floor pans on my 79 Camaro. This is my first sheet metal project, and let me tell you, it is a PITA.

I would have seriously thought 20 gauge is too thin for a car floor.
I use 18 gauge.