Aluminum Arch Panels

[Jim Schumacher]

Any problem with aluminum panels for a 3'x8' arch? I have a ton of aluminum diamond plate that would look great as panels, but don't want any surprises when I fire it up. Thanks

[Bucket Head]

It would work as long as you had sufficient insulation. Some guys claim they can put their hand on the side of their arch. Figure out how their arch is insulated and do it that way.

Post some pictures of it when your done!

Steve

[vtsnowedin]

Any problem with aluminum panels for a 3'x8' arch? I have a ton of aluminum diamond plate that would look great as panels, but don't want any surprises when I fire it up. Thanks
Aluminum melts at 1221 deg. F Sheet steel would be safer.

[markct]

i can touch the side of my evap briefly when boiling, i have thin firebrick in the firebox with 1 inch insulation board behind it, and 1 1/2 inch ceramic blanket in the back part. i wouldnt be affraid to use aluminum if ya had it already and as long as you planned to insulate it well, sure would look interesting in diamond plate!

[Haynes Forest Products]

What temp does high heat paint burn? My oil rig doesnt get that hot with only blanket. you would have to have one heck of a fire going to melt Alum thru the fire brick and arch board.

[Brent]

not one builder in the world uses aluminum.

[KenWP]

Aluminium also would corode real fast when it get's splashed with sap and syrup and beer.

[RileySugarbush]

Aluminum expands with temperature twice as much as steel! You may get some creaking and groaning from the arch as it warms up if you have a steel frame and aluminum panels

[Brent]

that's a real good point John makes

You may need to drill all the holes oversize and lock the bolts in place with 2 nuts, leaving the bolt only just snug. That would let the plates move around without stressing anything.