Type and Gauge of SS?

[shawk]

I am going to be fabricating my own pan(2 x 4) and was wondering if 304 or 316 is the preferred SS to make pans out of. The other question would be what gauge? I was thinking 16 but I have also seen items made out of 18. One more question is what should the height of the sides be?
Any of you seasoned sugaring veterans have any recommendations?

[WF MASON]

If you can afford the 316 buy that, but its not necssary. If the pan is for boiling/evaporating use 20 gauge , if its for finishing syrup use 22 ga. , the height could be 10" for either.

[xulgiy]

I'm not a pro at tig welding, but I used 18 with my pans..... I'd REALLY be nerveous about welding anything thinner. I had a few spots on the 18ga (outside corners) where I got a little squirrely. I can't compare things...but the boil rate seems fine to me, and it's a tough pan. I used 304 brushed. I was just quoted at $310.00 for a 4x8. No room for screw-ups!!! My sides are 8".