Using Steel framing studs for arch?

[ohio sugar]

Any thoughts on using steel studs for arch framing instead of steel angle? It is really thin @ 25 gauge but is designed not to twist or bend. The studs are more readily available to me and I could purchase all I need for under 25 bucks. The dimensions are 1.25 in x 2.5 in. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[mapleack]

I don't think they'd be strong enough. The steel studs are designed to adequately carry a vertical load, not a horizontal one. Remember that sap weighs 8.35 lbs per gal average, which can mean a lot of weight on an evaporator.

[jasonl6]

No way would i use them. I just finished building my evaporator and used 1/4" x2"x2" angle iron. Uou need to consider that once you flood the pans and have all that weight your talking huge numbers for a pcs of 25ga pcs to support.

Jason

[ohio sugar]

I understand your concerns with weight but wouldn`t the metal sheeting help with horizontal loads? The majority of weight would be supported by the 6 vertical members.

[mapleack]

If you have enough vertical supports I suppose they could work, as long as you have adequate fire brick or insulation to protect them from the heat. Metal that thin will fail from heat much quicker than heavy steel.

[sniperdodo]

You may end up with Zinc or similar chemical being released from the studs. I read in one of the posts on this site that galvanizing may release harmful vapours when it is heated. I don't know this for certain but to me its not worth the risk.

[morningstarfarm]

after building my 2x6 last year..unless the price of angle has skyrocketed...the 1 1/2 angle I used only cost me a bit over 40 bucks...15 bucks is not much of a savings to be sure it won't fail...

[ohio sugar]

Thanks guys for the quick responses. I am really new to this and I am just tossing around some ideas.

[jasonl6]

On the sides of my arch i only used 24ga hot rolled steal. It's simply there to make everything look nice :-). I would still suggest angle. Have you looked into the file cabinet arch that was posted on here?

Jason

[Haynes Forest Products]

Sounds good to me. First I want you to make a bed frame with out of metal studs. I want you to use the residential type. Then I want the heat of the night to tell you if its a good Idea. will:o