Ideas on making a metal enclosure

Tom · 2006-12-14T18:52:08+00:00

I want to put a flat panel TV outside on our back porch, but sincethere is no overhang to keep it dry, I have an idea to make a metalenclosure for it. By hitting a switch, the TV will rise out of the boxusing an electric actuator. I am thinking that the top of the boxwould be attached to the mounting bracket, so that when the tv goesback in, the top would seal against/around the edges of the box (tokeep out rain and thieves). I am actually using a Keyed switch toraise and lower the tv, so it should be secure from thieves. Thedimensions for this would be approximately 32" wide by 36" deep by 7"deep. I have a few questions on this project that I am hoping to getsome info on.1. What would be a better metal for this, steel or aluminum (protectionfrom the elements)? I have never welded aluminum but do have the MIGconversion for my Weldpak 100HD and have always wanted to try andwilling to learn. But I would want it painted and from experience ,steel is much easier to paint for me.2. I am thinking of using 12 or 11 gauge for this. Would that beadequate? There would be a thicker lip at the top of the box to sealagainst.3. All the welding I have done so far has been with tube and angleiron. I have never really tried to weld any thin walled items into athree dimensional shape. What would be the best technique for weldingsomething like this without too much distortion?4. One idea for the process would be welding four side pieces togetherand then the bottom on. But it would seem that getting into the boxfor welding from the inside would seem difficult. Is that the normalway to weld an enclosure, or would it be possible to weld from theoutside? A second option would be to use a brake to bend all the sidestogether, and have one seam to weld. Unfortunately I do not have abrake, although Harbor Freight has one for $200.Any starting points would be very helpful. Thanks,Tom Kuhn

Dec 14, 2006 22 Replies

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Epictitus 19 years ago

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Check around locally for industrial electrical cabinet makers.

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clare at snyder.on.ca 19 years ago

I'd go with stainless, myself - but I've got a good friend with a TIG who knows how to use it (welds stainless all day) and occaisionally he has some good "scrap" that fits the bill for a project - like my stainless steel lawn mower deck.

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