Yes, I searched. A36 is too short of a search term so I had to wade through every Tubing post that hasn't been deleted...

Anyhow, OldScout has posted some interesting Material Data Info on 1018, 1020, and 1010 tubing (A519, A513 5, A513 1,3)

Today I finally called a local steel supplier.. I wasn't surprised to hear they don't carry anything like that.

Best I could find was A513 1.75x.095 for $1.31/ft. That was the only thing even available.

I managed to talk them into making a few calls, and they can order some smaller quantities (less than their 5-Ton usual orders!) out of Denver for me.

If I buy 5 sticks (100-120') I can get 2"x.120 for $1.67/ft. A LOT friendlier price than I had expected.

'course, it's not "the good stuff" I had hoped for - he mentioned it was hot-rolled A36, but I also don't have to drive to Denver or Spokane for materials.. and $1.67/ft is definitely do-able.

I had to go do some searching to find specs on A36.

Looks like it has a Yield of 36k-psi and Tensile is 58-80k-psi.

Better than 1010, worse than 1020 DOM, and on a par with A519 1018 "HFS" (35k and 60k).


Is 36k yield and 58-80k tensile in the ballpark, or do I need to go on the hunt for some A519 "CDS" (60 and 80) or straight 1020 DOM (70 n' 80)?

Once that bit is figured out.. how does OD and wall thickness factor into the equation? Is the tensile/yield figures based on wt. of the steel, or something else?

I presume a 2"x.120 tube is stronger than a 1"x.095. I'm just trying to understand how much more and why.



I need to upgrade / replace cages in a few rigs - a couple competition rigs, a few trail rigs.

The one I'm initially concerned about is my 4x4 obstacle racer... high speeds across varying terrain with a half dozen other crazies in their 4x4s nearby..

Ultimately after I figure out which tubing I NEED and which I can afford I can finally decide if I order the JD2 with a 1.75 or 2" die. :D

Thanks,

-Tom
(Helena, MT aka BFE)

This is were I got my info:
http://www.emjmetals.com/emjonline/index.asp

It sounds as if you're serious, and interested in "doing it right".

I highly recommend you get a copy of the "Machinery's Handbook".

The brand new ones are kinda pricey, but WELL worth it, and you can also get them at used book sales, library sales, or through online used noook sellers (like avail through Amazon)

It's over 2 and a half thousand pages of amazing technical info, written in pretty plain language, and will answer all your questions and more...chapters on strength of materials, steel, welding, threads, cutting, tappping, gears, equations, mechanics, etc etc etc

Off the top of my unprofessional head - i would say not to build critical safety items, particulalry your hi speed cage, out of less than 1020

Originally posted by BillaVista
It sounds as if you're serious, and interested in "doing it right".

I highly recommend you get a copy of the "Machinery's Handbook".

Off the top of my unprofessional head - i would say not to build critical safety items, particulalry your hi speed cage, out of less than 1020

Thanks. I've been wanting to buy one for some time, but never did get around to it.. on an unrelated topic someone sent me some used book sites this morning..

$22 and I have a January '84 hardcover edition on it's way.. 2,482 pages.

Long overdue. :)

I'm going to try some steel suppliers in Spokane for 1020 DOM.

See how bad the $$$ is and maybe come up with a compromise - 50' of DOM for the main cage (front/rear hoops, kickers, stringers), 50' of HREW for the supporting stuff (seat mounts, door bars, dash bar, back bar, etc)

The mix n match plan sounds like a good idea.

You'll love the book - mine's a 24th edition, an oldie but a goodie!