Metal thicknesses

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I'm learning to weld on my own, and I've been practicing on some spare metal that was left over from replacing the floorpans in my car.I have a chart (somewhere) that shows different gauge metals and their thicknesses. My question is, when I pick up a piece of thin 20 gauge or thin metal, how can I actually know what gauge I have in my hand. The chart (from what I remember) showed the differences were really tiny and I don't think my eyeballs are calinbrated enough to tell.Is there a tool perhaps like a caliper or something tha will tell me the gauge so that I can make sure my machine is set properly while I practice?
Reply:They sell sheetmetal gages that you can use to get the thickness. http://www1.mscdirect.com/eCommerce/...heetmetal+gageYou can also use a caliper or micrometer to measure the thickness and compare it to a chart showing nominal thicknesses. If you work with the materials enough you'll develop a calibrated eyeball..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Our LWS gave away sheet metal gauges as a promo once. Go shmooze yours and see if they'll give you one.
Reply:Sweet, thanks for the replies.
Reply:Tricky, I printed out a chart and keep a copy in the garage. I use a digital caliper set to measure thickness, then look up the correct gauge on the reference.Good luck,PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:Here's the thickness chart that another member posted. Attached ImagesThickness Metal.pdf (41.7 KB, 54 views)
Reply:Tool for sheet metal thickness?One of the most powerful tools in the world is in your hands. A computer.Go to Google or any search engine and type in sheet metal thickness.The other tool you should have is a six inch dial vernier caliper that reads 0-.100 in one revolution.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald BranscomThe other tool you should have is a six inch dial vernier caliper that reads 0-.100 in one revolution.