i need to order a 180 degree bend for my downpipe. i was wondering what gauge steel i should get- 18 or 16.

 

any advice would help

 

go 16, its a little thicker and already a pain in the *** to weld.

i can imagine 18 would suck even more.

so easy to melt right thru.

 

would 18 be ok though?

 

yes, just slightly more difficult to weld

 

im not very keen with my metal fabrication. is it because it is to thin? if its hard to weld, thewn does that mean it is possible for heat from the exhaust to ---- it up?

 

the welder will burn through it because it is thin if you aren't careful

 

both will work, when i was welding the 16 gauge i was wishing i had some nice thing welding mig wire.

i imagine at 18 gauge i would go nuts burning holes in the tubes.

 

i would not personally be welding it. my father owns a plumbing company and he has professional welders that work for him. im sure they can do a good job, ill hust have to tell them exactly how i want it done. but about what turdbo said, is it possible for the heat from the exhaust to affect the 18 gauge steel?

 

just use 16 gauge, its smarter to have a little extra wall thickness, for strength and peace of mind.