Cutting 48" Door from propane tank

[jamiewa82]

Hi,

I am in the phase of cutting my door from a 200 gallon propane tank. The door is 48" long that I am cutting out. My question is should I weld the hinges before I cut the door all the way. I bought 3 - 3" bullet hinges. If the answer is yes than how do I weld the strap metal afterwards and what thickness should the strap metal be? Any help or input would be appreciated.


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[Big T]

Welcome aboard!! I would cut the door completely out first and make sure it doesn't warp. That way you can straighten it up if it does. I use 1/8''x1 1/2 or 2'', I have used 1/4''x2'' but it's a little harder to bend it.

[jamiewa82]

Thanks for the help and warm welcome. If it does warp what is the best way to combat that?


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[Squiggle]

[ajfoxy]

If it does warp. Some chain, a jack and have at it.

[Rodcrafter]

Welcome to the crew!

I like to cut mine out first, then flange it, then weld the hinges to either the flange using bullet hinges or make my own and weld them to the door.

I have to ask "3 inch" is that the total length? or is that each piece of the hinge? I asked the question because this is a very heavy door you're making, and if you put an counterweight on it that would even be more weight. Those hinges are much stronger vertically than laying flat. I just want you to like what you wind up with when you're done.

Some folks around here think I make stuff too heavy so you can totally disregard my question if you want.

jm2cw

[jamiewa82]

Thanks for the welcoming! Rodcrafter, I bought some plans from smoker builder and these are what were spec'd. There are 3 of them though. Is there any tricks to forming the strap metal around the door? Ajfoxy thanks for tip!


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[Rodcrafter]

You can use the tank as a mold of sorts tack the end of the strap to the tank and just pull down on it as if your going all the way around it cut the tack and lay it on you lid and weld it.

[temurf]

Hope you don't need it but here is a link to a post by Big T about fixing a sprung door.

viewtopic.php?f=148&t=3344&p=80081&hili ... oor#p80081

[Kcd2016]

Thanks for the help and warm welcome. If it does warp what is the best way to combat that?


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Here's what I did:

[Squiggle]

nice work!

[Rodcrafter]

Who said it warped, great work


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