Any reason not to build a skid plate out of stainless?

13bullets

13bullets

Chris
Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Location
Lincolnton
Aside from cost difference, that is. I can get a piece of 1/4" stainless 3'x4' for next to nothing. Is there any reason I should not build a skid plate for my WJ out of it? Is there any reason to build it out of carbon steel instead?
 
i think they're about the same strength wise. that means the only difference is that it wont rust. so if you can get it cheaper than plate steel, i dont see why not do it.
 
Stainless is generally as good or better than carbon steel in all regards, I'd go for it. Plus you don't have to paint it! Just using the right wire and process for welding.
 
With stainless panels, you can wheel all day, and then clean and sanitize the stainless and BAM! You have a mini kitchen to cook a meal on!!!!

:)
 
I'd say go for it. I've done a few. Keep in mind though that it is much harder to cut/grind/drill than carbon steel. A plasma cutter will be your friend, you'll go through 100 cut-off wheels to cut 3' in .25 ss.
 
Cutting it won't be much of a problem, I've got access to a plasma cutter at work and I'll do the cutting and have the welding done there. I was mainly wondering about the feasibility of it. I like the idea of not having to paint it or worry about it rusting but when it's all said and done I may still have it powder coated. Thanks for the replies.
 
Stainless is much harder than regular steel. Don't believe me? Ask any drill bit.

It would be a good upgrade over regular steel, but I like uhdp best because it slides so well.
 
13bullets said:
Aside from cost difference, that is. I can get a piece of 1/4" stainless 3'x4' for next to nothing. Is there any reason I should not build a skid plate for my WJ out of it? Is there any reason to build it out of carbon steel instead?
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13bullets said:
Aside from cost difference, that is. I can get a piece of 1/4" stainless 3'x4' for next to nothing. Is there any reason I should not build a skid plate for my WJ out of it? Is there any reason to build it out of carbon steel instead?
Click to expand...
I love using Stainless Steel. Beacause SS is harder and more abrasion resistant than mild steel, you can typically use thinner SS to accomplish your protection needs.
 
13bullets said:
worry about it rusting
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Keep in mind that some SS that *WILL* rust... don't recall the designations, ran across them 20 years ago working in VERY damp conditions.

RE: the hardness of SS... was rehabbing some equipment and decided to bling it up with a SS control panel (previous AL looked horrible after a few years of chemicals/wet/etc). Found a SS kick plate designed for the bottom of a door = huge mistake when it came time to cut/drill that pig! Didn't have any methods of cutting it outside regular cutting tools and took a @#$%^ week (cut to size, 10 1/4" mounting holes, & 3 dozen control holes) :(

Used a BRASS kick plate (polished & coated) for the next 3! :D
 
I built it out of carbon steel since I only had one day to get it done before our URE trip the other week. I still have a piece of 1/4" stainless put away here at work for another day...

ai159.photobucket.com_albums_t130_maindistribution_photobucket_7203_1343431488778.jpg


No, I haven't sand blasted or painted it yet. I'll take it off and bring it in to work and do that when I get a chance.
 
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