Patch box material?

[mupperm]

I think i want to try and make my own Bananna style patch box for my tenn. rifle.  i have some 22ga. sheet  meatal in the garage is this heavy enough or should i find some 16ga material?

[Angus]

IMO, use at least 18 to 16 ga.
You might find 22 too flimsy and springy and won't hold the shape you desire.

[David Rase]

I would give the 22g a try for a banana style patchbox.  Normally I would use thicker, 18 to 16g like Angus suggested, but since you will not be trying to form compound curves around a buttstock like you would with a conventional 4 piece patchbox, I think you could pull it off.  You have nothing to lose since you already have the material.  Between the hinge and a few gentle curves in the lid, I think strength will not be a problem and besides that, the thinner material is easier to work.
David

[tallbear]

The lid on my original Tennessee measures .035 .

Mitch Yates

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

.0299" = 22 Ga.

.035" = 20-21 Ga.

seems like it would certainly be worth a try.....

[bgf]

22g makes nice hinges, but might not hold its shape.  You could practice on it and possibly solder in stiffeners.  Or, Lowes and Tractor Supply carry various sizes of 16g cold rolled sheet.  $10 will buy enough for several patch boxes.  Having tried both ways, I like to make the box from 16g and the hinge from 22g, as it is easier to make a nice hinge with fine knuckles.

[mupperm]

thanks for all the replies.  i did happen by the scrap steel dumpster today and found a decent sheet that appears to be 16ga.  for certain it's thicker than that 22ga i have!

[Mark Elliott]

I always us 16 ga weldable sheet from Lowes for my patchboxes.     I wouldn't use any thinner.   I frequently file a good bit off cleaning up the hinge area and fitting to the stock.   

[bama]

I have noticed on many originals that the material used to make patch boxes especially brass boxes tend to be very thin compared to boxes being made today. Some I think are marginal and probably would have stood up to the use and time better had they been a little thicker material.

Personally I try to use the thinnest material I feel is workable and structurally sound. I would try the 22 gage, by the time you add a slight dish to the box lid and planish it a little it may be strong enough. You will be able to tell after working on it a little if it is going to be strong enough.