PDA

View Full Version : 304 or 316 s/s to build rocket launcher?


freddofrog
18-07-2007, 02:15 PM
Hi all

Do you think it would be ok to build a rocket launcher out of 304 stainless steel rather than 316. A guy is selling some 304L on ebay for use in cars (e.g. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2-STAINLESS-STEEL-PIPE-TURBO-INTERCOOLER-PIPING-INTAKE_W0QQitemZ200008643846QQihZ010QQcategoryZ308 61QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2-STAINLESS-STEEL-PIPE-TURBO-INTERCOOLER-PIPING-INTAKE_W0QQitemZ200008643846QQihZ010QQcategoryZ308 61QQcmdZViewItem)). Not sure if the "L" makes a difference.

Reason to use is 304 is just cheaper and more easier to come by and some/alot of the hardware/tubing you see places like Bias is 304 anyway.

ta
ff
Spaniard_King
18-07-2007, 02:29 PM
304 is fine as long as you don't mind polishing it every weekend:P
sid_fishes
18-07-2007, 04:36 PM
304 is cheaper, but replacing it is dearer again , buy the time you go and get more tube its gone up in price. do it once and once only buy 316, then have the work done ,and if you can afford to have it electropolished cheers sid
wessel
18-07-2007, 04:41 PM
316 will give better protection against chloride pitting and crevice corrosion. (If you use the correct welding rods)

Other than that the 304 should be OK. (304 is also known as 18/10 stainless, the same stuff your cutlery is made from.)

The L means it has a lower Carbon content.

Wessel
trueblue
18-07-2007, 04:42 PM
go 316. Much better material for what you want to do

cheers

Mick
peterreb
18-07-2007, 05:40 PM
And note that you can get it polished as well, just need to clean up welds and polish them.
Pual44
18-07-2007, 07:37 PM
G'day there,
I have had 2 lots of custom rocket launchers made up for 2 different boats.
I buy the SS and get it bent and welded the way I want it and at a price that is controlable (minister for war and finance watchs the cost on the boat pretty closely), cause the factory ones can cost an arm and a leg or more.
So far the best stuff is the 316 and if you can get it already polished all the better.
Currently the rocket launcher is 316 and not polished so it looks a bit tacky with a bit of surface corrosion. I don't care cause its a fishing boat but it may detract a bit if I ever sell.
Hope the info helps.
Cheers