Homemade evaporator

[Sly41985]

I am thinking of building and was wondering how much it would cost to build a 2x6? I was also wondering what most people use for materials? Angle iron and sheet metal? Or stainless sheet metal? What size angle iron or tubing? I've probably got a lot more questions but cannot think right now. Thanks for everyone's help I do appreciate it!!!

[RileySugarbush]

I built my arch with much lighter angle than most: 1.25 by 1/8. Painted carbon steel sheets. Absolutely solid for many years.

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I built my evaporator two years ago out of 2" angle 3/16" and stainless sheeting on the sides.

[Sly41985]

Thanks for the info guys!if you dont mind me asking how much did it cost?

[RileySugarbush]

I built mine probably 10 years ago so I don't remember what it cost but it was cheap. The small steel angle and 16 gauge sheet-metal you can get online or at a local steel house for a buck or two a pound I think. The trickier bit is making a door I made mine also from 16 gauge, though people make them quite heavy. The steel on the front is much heavier gauge than the sides since it has to support the door I made mine out of 1/8 inch plate. If you have access to a welder that I really recommend making a angle frame parts like this as opposed to starting with an oil tank. Everything is exactly square it's much easier to brick And insulate and I don't think it costs much more at all.

[Zucker Lager]

Hey Sly:
Built this little 2 by 3 a few years ago http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?26815-2-By-3-Hobby-Arch-Build Total cost was around $285 but I got a great deal on the angle iron frame parts it was metal that the supplier had outside and was a little rusty but cleaned up just fine I got that for free. Add $$$ for arch board and bricks and paint. Good luck on your build. Jay

[Sly41985]

Thanks again for the info guys I do appreciate it!!! Zucker that's an awesome little rig!

[Logstacker]

I built a 2x6 last year. Used 2x2x1/8 angle iron 100ft one 4x8 sheet of 16g and one 4x4 sheet of 3/16 one 4x8 ss sheet of 18g made my own pans. fire brick was 3$ apiece. air under fire. arch board insulation from bascoms. All in I've got 1000$ yep a grand. I'm a machinist and have access to all the equipment. I was a fun project just know its gonna cost way more than you will expect.