Expanded metal of the Stainless variety?

[tmcmaster]

Anyone know a good (as in reputable and affordable) source for expanded stainless? Priscilla is in need of some augmentation (second rack and removable hog rack/tray), and I am having some issues finding what I need locally...

 

[Chuckwagonbbqco]

Do you have a local cannery or large food processing plant? I have bought remnants from a local cannery after it has used what it needed for repairs. Also check with local buyers of scrap metal---they get stuff in and save it to sell if it looks like it is a usable remnant----they have bought it at scrap prices and sell much cheaper than ordering new. When I am making grates I usually use shaker screen that has been cast off by a local rock crusher---it works awesome but is not stainless

 

[tmcmaster]

Do you have a local cannery or large food processing plant? I have bought remnants from a local cannery after it has used what it needed for repairs. Also check with local buyers of scrap metal---they get stuff in and save it to sell if it looks like it is a usable remnant----they have bought it at scrap prices and sell much cheaper than ordering new. When I am making grates I usually use shaker screen that has been cast off by a local rock crusher---it works awesome but is not stainless

Thanks!!

 

[thull]

McMaster Carr: http://www.mcmaster.com/#stainless-steel-expanded-metal/=6kmqeu

But it won't be cheap.

Unless you're cold smoking, why not plain steel? Once you get it seasoned and as long as you keep using it, it won't rust. At maybe 1/3 the cost.

 

[BobBrisket]

Do you have a local cannery or large food processing plant? I have bought remnants from a local cannery after it has used what it needed for repairs. Also check with local buyers of scrap metal---they get stuff in and save it to sell if it looks like it is a usable remnant----they have bought it at scrap prices and sell much cheaper than ordering new. When I am making grates I usually use shaker screen that has been cast off by a local rock crusher---it works awesome but is not stainless

I'll second this recommendation. The scrap place I go to saves the really good stuff that can be re-sold for a better price than just as scrap. Even buying it back from them, is still way cheaper than getting new. Just depends on what they have and may require a little leg work but well worth it.

 

[brotherbd]

Bob,

You might want to check out MetalSupermarkets. They do carry 9GA .75 Flat on both 204 and 316. they will cut the size or sizes you need. They were a lot cheaper than McMaster for my expanded 9GA Flat HRS I bought to make my UDS baskets with a 8 x 48 was about $6 ea. Thay have a store locator at the bottom of the page.

Here's the link -

https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/MSC-Home.aspx

I don't work for them, but I'm sure gonna shop with them!:thumb:

 

[dataz722]

McMaster Carr: http://www.mcmaster.com/#stainless-steel-expanded-metal/=6kmqeu

But it won't be cheap.

Unless you're cold smoking, why not plain steel? Once you get it seasoned and as long as you keep using it, it won't rust. At maybe 1/3 the cost.

What would be the problem with cold smoking with steel?

 

[thull]

What would be the problem with cold smoking with steel?

You won't be generating all that grease from the food that keeps the racks seasoned. And you don't want that kind of seasoning getting on your cold-smoked items. For cold smoking, I'd go with either stainless or chrome wire.

When I've cold smoked in the Stumps, I put wire cooling racks in there to keep the cheese off the greasy racks.

Anyway, that's my logic.

 

[Laraza911]

you can also find some at your local welding shop too possibly. I just bought a 32"x15" flattened expanded steel cut for $20 from my neighborhood shop.