angle vs square tubing for garage/shop carts and cabinets

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I see a lot of videos on building garage/shop carts and cabinets using angle. Just saw one recently where the guy used square tubing:What are pros and cons of using one material over the other? At least from the videos I've seen, angle is much more popular.
Reply:I almost never build with tube unless I have to.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Angle is cheaper, and it seems easier to find as scrap in my experience. But I prefer to use square tube. It is stronger in some cases and it is easier to cut. You don't have to mitre or cope tube the way you do angle. It seems much easier to make things like tables (especially table legs) or carts with square tube. Again, these are my experiences, not absolutes
Reply:

Originally Posted by goggins

I see a lot of videos on building garage/shop carts and cabinets using angle. Just saw one recently where the guy used square tubing:What are pros and cons of using one material over the other? At least from the videos I've seen, angle is much more popular.
Reply:Stronger is a relative term and it would be if it needed to be.   My neighbor looks at a joint I did and mention stronger if it was done another way.  Yes thats true if I wanted to invest another 2 hours in a 30 minute job under a trailer that is now 3 times as strong as it was.  Stuff needs to be as strong as it needs to be, not all as strong as it can be.

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www.urkafarms.com
Reply:I'm 40 miles to the nearest metal supplier.  IF I have metal on hand and can avoid the trip I'll build what I need as long as I'm not building a new bridge.  I do, however, avoid bed frames because ya just don't know what it is.
Reply:I have an 8' brake bends up to 16 gauge steel. Cabinets & tool boxes, I more often use bent sheet than either.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:This came up in another thread.  I avoid them also.  I found,,, or a helper managed to find a piece on the shelf the other day.  It takes a little while to get started but I collect the stuff, usually process it to some degree so it can be shelved but I rarely buy steel, on occasion for repair wjhen its got to match etc or needs to be specific.  Appliances are the best for sheet, already painted, paints over well.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Yes Willie,,, 2 things I regret not getting, finger brake and an ironworker.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Shop carts and cabinets are not subjected to much load so can be built out of just about anything. Look at the soy carts, just folded sheet metal and they don't break.So you can choose whatever you like, scrap or drops on hand for low cost or specific materials for a certain look or design. All up to you.
Reply:I did a lot of custom building when I was younger.  That box isnt something I would do today simply due to the work and the cost. I build when its fast and easy or has to be custom.  Its not a bad thing but I aint gonna go thru that when I can get a used Sears box for 100$ or someone gave me one a while back.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Cost on one vs the other is a mute point. Strength for the most part comes down to lbs per foot. Price per pound is pretty close in my experience. Use whatever shape works easiest. Angle is nice because it gives you a lip around shelves for instance.
Reply:I've used both, each has its place. Learning how to cope angle iron is a basic skill you need to acquireI made this small welding table with angle iron

I made this welding table with 2 inch square tube

I made this laundry table for my wife from 1 inch square tube

I made this running gear for my Syncrowave out of angle

Last edited by Louie1961; 18 Hours Ago at 09:20 AM.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I built with have on hand.They both will do a good job. It setting a tool chest on cart or plywood angle has more of finish lookDave

Originally Posted by goggins

I see a lot of videos on building garage/shop carts and cabinets using angle. Just saw one recently where the guy used square tubing:What are pros and cons of using one material over the other? At least from the videos I've seen, angle is much more popular.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Louie1961

I've used both, each has its place. Learning how to cope angle iron is a basic skill you need to acquireI made this small welding table with angle iron

I made this welding table with 2 inch square tube

I made this laundry table for my wife from 1 inch square tube

I made this running gear for my Syncrowave out of angle


Reply:If I am going to cap them it will be with plate and my TIG welder...not plastic!Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:

Originally Posted by Louie1961

If I am going to cap them it will be with plate and my TIG welder...not plastic!