What guage steel to use?
 

I'm starting to do some metal work and make a set of custom hood scoops. Just wondering what guage metal should I get? Is one better over the other? Any concerns about warping on metal thats too thin once stretched and shaped?

Original sheet metal is 20 gauge, but if you're going to bend, reshape, hammer on, etc. I'd go with 18 gauge to be safe. Space out your spot welds about 3 inches apart, to avoid warping the metal. Heat is a killer. Good luck and post some pics!

thanks for the info. this is my first time out of the gates doing something like this. i expect a lot of trial and error. haha. :willy:

would 16 gauge be too thick?

You should try and keep the thickness pretty close to what you are welding too. You also have to think about how hard it is to shape, the thicker it is the harder it is to move. Also think about what shape scoop you are going to make, if it is a smaller scoop then there shouldn't be any flex in it so you don't need thick material. If it is a bigger scoop with alot of flat area you may need to think about bracing. Try making it out of poster board first it will give you some kind of idea of movement. Good luck. Thank, Jon.

i was planning on making a jig out of wood...cut out the shape that i need and use enough wood for the thickness i need and pound it out with a hammer.....got the idea from a picture i saw on here in the projects section... what sort of hammer would be best to use?