My theory is that the least amount of welding the better. It weakens
the material much less and is a whole lot less expensive.

Brian D wrote:
Steve, or an aluminum expert:

In general bends are better than welds (in aluminum) since you don't have
the heat treatment hardening of the tank in the area of bends, but do in the
area of welds. What if the aforementioned lips on the side, the sides, and
bottom, were all made from one sheet that was bent to make the shape. The
end caps would be welded on, as would the lid, but the welded-on lid would
not be carrying the weight. Is there any issue with bends becoming weak?

Brian


"Stephen Baker" wrote in message
...

Brian says:


I've seen tanks made the way you suggested, but with the tank top

oversize

so it extended an additional inch-plus on either side. This was for
suspending the tank by the lip. With all the pounding that a boat goes
through, I feel concern that the top weldment would be prone to fatigue

and

cracking.
OTOH, I do know lots of people do it this way (1/8" sides/bottom,
3/16" top). What do you think?


I'm not exactly fond of that method. As you say, too risky. If you want

to

hang something make up a bracket properly sized, and then all you have to
replace is the bracket if it fails. THat's the same reason why my stereo
system is component rather than "boom-box" style. I don't have to replace
everything coz the turntable dies (yes, I'm that old ;-))

I love things that work, and can be depended on. That includes gravity.

If

gravity will hold something in place when static, then a simple strap to

take

care of the dynamic situation is all you need. And it's cheap!

Steve




--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
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