Metal brake for drawer pan?

Maker Talk
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I believe the metal brake can handle up to 14ga mild steel. Would 14ga be a good choice to make drawer pans like these? My other option is wood, but metal gives me a bit more volume to play with.

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For our van conversion I’m planning two drawers in the rear, one for storage cases and one as a dedicated camp kitchen. So the drawer won’t support a fridge but rather a 22" griddle and cooking utensils.

Thanks!
Mike

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I think 14 gauge is larger than the capacity of the BSR. 14 gauge should be fine for your strength question. Folds and rolling beads makes everything stronger. If need a bead roller. You can come by my shop and bead roll prior to ending the drawers.

Is the purpose for light offroading?

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The capacities of the sheet metal machine are on its wiki page: Dayton Sheet Metal Machine - Asmbly Wiki

16ga is the max capacity in mild steel.

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Thanks Joe! Yes, no highly technical off-roading. The majority of our driving is highways and backroads commuting in/out of Dripping Springs.

Big concern for me is rollover safety, and securing everything as best as possible in the van in the event of an accident - especially with how sporty 290 traffic is.

Any other materials that would work well, would aluminum be an option?

Thanks,
Mike

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Aluminum can work. If you plan on bending. I would look for 5052 alloy. Typical 6061 would crack without preheating. I would also maybe thicken the aluminum to 11 gauge.

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14 gauge seems like overkill. Most high end ($20k plus setups) steel garage cabinets are 17 or 18 gauge.

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Another option for forming boxes in 16ga steel is using this technique which doesn’t require a brake. Also yields nice crisp corners.

Steve

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Joe, I have some questions that came born out of the CNC SIG on Friday and some group discussions there. If you have time to connect, what’s the best way to reach you?

Thanks,
Mike

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You can email me at joe@secretsaucemanufacturing.com