Please help -- is aluminum going to work for my project?

[TapperP]

I was planning a panel about 36x15" and wanted to use metal. It's a long story why, but it would be easier in my situation.

I was planning to use 6061 T6 aluminum of 3.175mm or about 1/8 inch thickness.

Being a complete noob about metal, I figured this should work OK. But, then I happened to see that slagcoin site, and it didn't advise using the T6.

Any opinions or experiences regarding this metal for a good sized CP like I'm planning? It will basically be a flat rectangle resting over a wood cabinet. The metal would only be supported a couple of inches along the 4 sides, but not the center. I'm just now worried about the panel sagging or not feeling sturdy.

Thanks.

[yotsuya]

I get what you’re trying to do. That is a pretty long span.

[Drnick]

With that span You are going to want to stiffen it up somehow.   can you add some solid bars in there somewhere?  If not then you probably want to go stainless steel.

[Nephasth]

Support it with aluminum angle stock. And don't forget... two dissimilar metals, when coming into contact with one another over a long period of time, will corrode.

[TapperP]

Thanks for the replies. Honestly, I have now completely rethought the project. Probably going to go with a wood solution instead. Much cheaper, but more work. But, end result will be less trouble, sounds like.

[jennifer]

    It seems fun to me you would be contemplating out of the box thinking so hard, Thing with AL is its too soft of a metal and would have to be considerably thicker, more like what they make truck trailers out of. The CP takes some serious stress to the point even steel will tear under extreme conditions. Beings you decided on wood, strength is your friend, appropriate joinery and bracing where possible (even a steel backplate) would be something you could be proud of....Good luck friend.