Float steel gauge

[tonka]

I am going to be making my float for my float box, what gauge of ss do the manufactures use for their floats? 18ga., 20ga., or 22ga. I was thinking about using 18ga since I have the steel, just not sure if it will be too heavy and wont function properly. Thinking about 6 in wide, 12 in. long, and 1 inch deep.

[maple flats]

I don't know, but based on my experience with sheet metals, I think 24 or even 26 Ga will be fine. My guess however is that they make them out of scraps from building the pans, thus most are likely 20 or 22 ga.