metal for patch box

[yip]

  planning on a patch box for my KMR and wondering what size metal to use. been working with brass and now that i'm gone to use steel i was wondering what thick of stock to use, i was leaning toward .050 thousands

[smylee grouch]

I know that some use .050 thick steel but it seems .040 is more popular and easier to work. JMHO

[flehto]

The steel Pbox shown below is made from .060 thick  steel sheet but I think .050 thick would bend a little easier......the forms are a little deep on this  one. I used very hard wooden form blocks for the lid which is 3/16" above the  side plates.  .......Fred

[Pukka Bundook]

Very neat work, Fred!

[B.Barker]

I've used .032" for east Tennessee cigar style boxes. Some originals had thin iron boxes as well that's why some have a pretty good dome in the lid.

[BOB HILL]

I've used the hood of a 1968 Bronco for a lot of patch boxes over the years. Never tried to measure it. Pretty easy to work.
Bob

[Daniel Coats]

Gauge Number   Inches
Gauge Number16   Inches.0625
Gauge Number18   Inches.050
Gauge Number20   Inches.0375
Gauge Number22   Inches.03125

From what I've read 16 and 18 gauge material is commonly used for repair of the 1968 Ford bronco. I think either one would work well for your patch box depending on availability.

[Keith Zimmerman]

I love that patchbox, Fred.  Beautiful gun.

[Dennis Glazener]

I have a few pieces of sheet metal left over from restoration work on a 57 Chevy. I use pieces for RR thimbles and a couple of  patch boxes. Worked great, seems to me they are approximately .040 -.060"

Empty propane torch tanks (the small ones) make good RR thimbles.
Dennis