What kind of aluminum?

[Lowbrass]

Would work best for an ash pan?  I am going to be making an ash pan for my new red ranger but am not sure what to use.  Another member used aluminum but wasn't sure on the gauge.  Would this work?  Or is it too thin?  Don't want hot ashes burning holes in it.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/M-D-Building-Products-24-in-x-36-in-Plain-Aluminum-Sheet-in-Silver-57794/202091743

[BillA from CA]

Mine seems to be around 0.030-0.034 inch. The key thing is to check the temper.  You want to make sure it is "O" rather than something like T4 or T6.  O means is it annealed and will be easy to work. A common alloy will be something like 2024-O with the first four digits designating the specific aluminum alloy.  FYI, check scrap metal vendors.  They often have steel, aluminum, and stainless steel sheet metal remnants at a fraction of the Home Depot price. 
If you are concerned about burning holes in it try putting a hot coal on a couple layers of aluminum foil and see what it does.  It will be a very conservative indicator because thickness goes a long way to burn-though resistance.  Al melts about 1215 deg F (some alloys are different) but you will lose most strength well below that temperature.  If you opt for the very thin aluminum you could always line it with heavy duty Al foil to improve burnthrough resistance and keep it looking nice.
Also keep in mind that  if you plan to hammer it into the dish-shape it will get a little thinner during forming. Also, very thin aluminum will distort more easily during later handling.

[Neil_VT00]

Maybe the brains behind the replacement twist on ash pans can help.

@Bertl - What did you use for those pans?

[HoosierKettle]

I've made one with aluminum trim coil. Same stuff used on houses for fascia and trim. A little thin but works just fine


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[Lowbrass]

Mine seems to be around 0.030-0.034 inch. The key thing is to check the temper.  You want to make sure it is "O" rather than something like T4 or T6.  O means is it annealed and will be easy to work. A common alloy will be something like 2024-O with the first four digits designating the specific aluminum alloy.  FYI, check scrap metal vendors.  They often have steel, aluminum, and stainless steel sheet metal remnants at a fraction of the Home Depot price. 
If you are concerned about burning holes in it try putting a hot coal on a couple layers of aluminum foil and see what it does.  It will be a very conservative indicator because thickness goes a long way to burn-though resistance.  Al melts about 1215 deg F (some alloys are different) but you will lose most strength well below that temperature.  If you opt for the very thin aluminum you could always line it with heavy duty Al foil to improve burnthrough resistance and keep it looking nice.
Also keep in mind that  if you plan to hammer it into the dish-shape it will get a little thinner during forming. Also, very thin aluminum will distort more easily during later handling.

Awesome thanks for the advice!  This really helps big time!

Maybe the brains behind the replacement trist on ash pans can help.

@Bertl - What did you use for those pans?

Good call!  Don't know why I didn't think to ask him!

I've made one with aluminum trim coil. Same stuff used on houses for fascia and trim. A little thin but works just fine


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Thanks!

[mfridman]

What about an aluminum pizza pan?  Just need to figure out the size.

[Bob BQ]

The original ashpan is not round:




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[Lowbrass]

What about an aluminum pizza pan?  Just need to figure out the size.

Good thinking, but not the right shape!

The original ashpan is not round:




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Yep!  @glrasmussen was kind enough to send me some pictures of his restoration and has a template.  He said he'd be sending me dimensions.  Once I get them, I will be trying to take this on myself!

[glrasmussen]

I've made one with aluminum trim coil. Same stuff used on houses for fascia and trim. A little thin but works just fine


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

Exactly what I used. As you see in the template, I went over size and bent completely over. It made it more rigid and wasn't left a sharp edge.
@Lowbrass I sent you some pictures this morning.

[mhiszem]

Looking forward to seeing another Ranger restore!