How (not) to Make Stack Base

[user587]

I made a stack base the other day - first time ever bending sheet metal. It went "OK", although I starting with plan A, then switched to plan B halfway through. Ultimately it should work fine, but I'm glad I used cheap galvanized. Now that I'm experienced, maybe next year I'll make a proper one with stainless.

I'd be curious to know the "right" way to make one, if any sheet metal benders are out there.

Photos/descriptions of the steps taken at http://s1103.photobucket.com/albums/g478/user587/

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g478/user587/StackBase_15.jpg

[Dennis H.]

I agree that there is a trick to it.

Last year just for fun I used a simple 2D CAD program to try my hand at making a scaled down version of a base stack. Wow lots of work.

I 1st thought it would be a cone shape that had a few bends in it for the corners of the opening on the arch, wrong.
I did eventually make one but took me a few tries. I had to make a front half and a rear half.

[maple flats]

Mine, made by Leader was made in 2 halves.

[Sugarmaker]

Well I don't see a thing wrong with that base stack! Nice work!
Chris

[BoarsNest]

Looks great to me. If that's your first try you should go into the sheet metal trade.

[shane hickey]

I should of had you make mine I had to spend $1300.00 went with ss the other one rotted out, shane

[user587]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm surprised to hear of a commercial one being 2-piece - it was not that hard to make a 1 piece from a piece of stock 48" x 48". And of course the second one will be easier! (I'm sure the galv. will not last long, SS next time)

[Haynes Forest Products]

My Galvanize one is two parts. They are identical and and have tinners joints on the sides. will last longer than me:)

[michiganfarmer2]

I thnk yuo did a great job. it looks fantastic

[CastorMaple]

Awesome job! I'm ready to start mine and this looks like the place to start. I'm not a metal bender, and I've exhausted the budget for my new evap. So I'll try this as well.

How did you close up the long seam? Rivets? And the stove pipe connection, is that just screwed on?

-Pete

[user587]

All fasteners are simple sheet metal screws, I put in lots of 'em to keep the gaps small. I think I stuffed a little insulation in here and there where there was a small gap. At the stovepipe connection - same thing, wrap tight and lots of screws.

[Jec]

My stainless one is 2 sections and there is flat seems on the sides. That is one nice base for a first try.