What Material Should I Use To Build My Jet?

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Mike Kirney
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Location: Round Lake Centre, Ontario, Canada

What Material Should I Use To Build My Jet?

Post by Mike Kirney » Thu Aug 12, 2004 1:35 am

The only realistic choices for hobbyists are mild steel and stainless steel. Mild steel is probably the best choice for first-time builders because it is much cheaper than stainless to purchase, it is available in virtually every locale worldwide, and it is very straightforward to weld and work with. Many people build jets out of steel plumbing pipe or even auto exhaust tubing. Mild steel should not be any thinner than 22 ga. (~0.7 mm, 1/32"), but can be as thick as you like really. Some pipe wall can be over 1/8" thick and still work quite well. Stainless steel jets have a longer lifespan than mild steel ones but very often the extra cost and added construction complexity (particularly the welding) are not worth it for many people.
Trig IS fun.

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