Steel Frame?

[poppycat]

Can anyone think of any objections to framing a coop with light-gauge steel? My son has been bugging me for Polish for a while, and I think I might need another coop for them.

My DH's company fabricates custom steel frames, so he thought I might be able to use it for a coop. I just wonder if there are any good reasons NOT to.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Not at all, should work great. I've been wanting to build a tractor for broilers and plan on using 1x1 square thinwall tube.

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

Yes indeed steel frame would be great . The only reason steel is not used more is it cost more and not everyone welds or has the ability to work with it. Fastening hardware cloth or wooden walls is a little trickier but for security it is strong and durable.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

You'd be suprised at the cost difference between wood and steel. The last time I bought 1x1 thinwall (.065) steel tube from the local steel supplier it was only $7.00 for a 24 foot length. Wood is downright expensive anymore.

My son begged me to buy him an aircraft torch for Christmas a few years ago so he could build a go-kart, so I make him do all the welding anymore.

 

[poppycat]

Quote:
That's exactly why I'm thinking of using steel. Plus my husband can have it pre-cut and "dimpled" so all I have to do is screw it together (in theory, these projects always have some unforeseen wrinkle)

If it ever gets out of the R&D phase I'll post some pics. Don't hold your breath though.

 

[MandyH]

we feed for a man who has 20 or so coops made out of 1 by square tubing. he fastens tin on the top and sides out to about halfway of the entire coop. then he covers the rest with wire. he used cable ties for this, but in my experience with cable ties they will dry rot in a year or so. his door is made of the square tubing also and it is just screwed into the tubing with hinges. me and dh have been looking into steel coops too, because they are cool and we have a welder. plus dh works in the metal manufacturing business.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Any chance you could get a picture of those?

 

[allen wranch]

I appologize for not remembering whose coop this is and giving them credit, but it may be what you are looking for. If they see the picture they will probably be able to give you more information.

 

[greginshasta]

Quote:
I think he is from New Zealand.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
I think he is from New Zealand.

That's the only thing I could remember too. I was trying to find that post last week to get a second look at the waterers he had, but couldn't find it.