4x8 sheet enough?

[raptorfan85]

So after a year on a turkey fryer and one on a barrel ive decided its time to build an actual arch. I can get all the 2x2x1/8 angle I need from work for free, I do have to buy the sheet metal unfortunately. I was able to find a welding shop that would get me a 4x8 sheet of 16 gauge for $65. So is a 4x8 sheet going to be enough metal to build a 2x4 evaporator? Trying to do some math and I think its gonna be close... anyone built one that can enlighten me?

[tombaisley]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B12...VQRnVKSGM/view


http://mapletrader.com/community/sho...ight=Pyromatic

[maple flats]

just draw out a scale pattern of what the design will be and determine if you need more. If I were doing it, I'd just make up a cut list for all of the tin pieces and have them cut. That would maybe run $10-20 more but on their shear they will all have nice unrippled edges and the sizes will be right, especially if they have an 8' shear. Most bigger shops do. (for a 2x4 arch the longest single piece will be somewhere around 5' long, figuring for the 4' pan or pan combination plus the base stack at the back.)

[Haynes Forest Products]

Raptor your combining two different subjects in your post. You transitioned from arch to evaporator. Right off hand 4x8 wont get you the arch but it will get you the pan. I think as stated do some pencil work and you will answer your own question. Might sound silly but a roll of duct tape, a big cardboard box along with a utility and square edge and you will answer most of your questions. If you do a nice straight mock up your cut list will be a snap.

[raptorfan85]

I'm going to buy a pan because I can't weld stainless. I only have a small flux core welder. I'm building the firebox/arch myself. I was just trying to see if one would be enough so they can order it today. Should have planned better but I'm a procrastinator unfortunately.

[Haynes Forest Products]

I would believe you could get the arch out of it keeping in mind that you wont be throwing used telephone poles in as firewood. The fire box will take the most and if yoy plan it right you will have a minimal amount of cuts..............if you plan it right.

[old fashioned]

Don't get too stuck on stainless and welding it. A regular steel pan gets a coating on the inside from the syrup and on the outside from the fire. Rust is not a problem. You're boiling so everything is sanitary. There has been a lot of excellent syrup made in steel pans.

[Sugarmaker]

Kind of reminds me stories I have heard about making a moonshine still. It took exactly one 4 x 8 sheet of copper to make a complete still. No I don't have the pattern for one!
Regards,
Chris