good source for ss backing plates?

[cyrano138]

I wasn't sure if it was better to try and find a pre-made, pre-drilled backing plates or if everyone just gets bar stock. In either case can anyone recommend a good source?

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by cyrano138

I wasn't sure if it was better to try and find a pre-made, pre-drilled backing plates or if everyone just gets bar stock. In either case can anyone recommend a good source?

I've used aluminum, and in some cases Starboard. You are not likely to find pre-cut and drilled because there are so many bolt patterns.

I use 3/16 aluminum mostly and cut and drill it myself, or any machine shop or welding shop is likely to be able to do it for you, take a template.

[Chotu]

I hate to be someone that doesn’t answer the question, but truly, stainless steel backing plates are not a good idea.

they are way too difficult to work with, drilling those holes is ridiculous. It would be far better off substituting aluminum or G10 or even better.. the polyester equivalent.

Do it once with the composite material and never do it again.

Hoping to just talk you out of stainless. Too much work and it can still corrode.

[cyrano138]

I'm open to aluminum or other durable materials. If I'm using ss hardware, is that okay to use with al? I think some of my hardware is supposed to be brass (or is it bronze?). Is that compatible with al?


Thanks for the help!

[Chotu]

Just more reasons G10 or my personal favorite: Extren.

I really like Extren because I have epoxy allergies and can’t use G 10, but also because the price is a lot better. I know the price on this stuff has gone up dramatically lately, but it is still far superior to using metal. You only have to do it once and you don’t have to think about what is compatible with it or not. It’s truly the best solution for backing plates.

Fiberglass Sheets, Extren 500, 525, 625, GPO3, 1/8 to 1 1/2 Thick

I use this throughout my boat. For all of the backing plates. Especially where they were the most important.

you can cut this stuff with any saw, but I find a sawzall is the fastest way. you can drill out any hole you want in seconds. it will never corrode or rot in any way. you don’t have to think about compatibility with other materials.

[Frankly]

I second Chotu. Aluminum (Tefgel on the screw threads), G10, Starboard, anything except mild and stainless steel. Gaul a threaded stainless on stainless connection once. You will not be looking to repeat that operation.


Frankly

[Manateeman]

Ditto Frankley. Bronze, use bronze or G10 not aluminum. Tef-Gel threads.

[Lake-Effect]

I've used mainly aluminum for backing plates - easy to cut and drill. I've recently acquired some cobalt bits and have learned how to drill stainless steel (for other projects), but SS is overkill for backing plates.

Most towns of some size have metal "supermarkets" or retail outlets. I've also seen some bar and angle stock at better hardware stores. And I will shamelessly pick metal and fiberglass offcuts and scraps out of dumpsters.

I would also use G10 if I had a local source.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Chotu

Just more reasons G10 or my personal favorite: Extren.

I really like Extren because I have epoxy allergies and can’t use G 10, but also because the price is a lot better. I know the price on this stuff has gone up dramatically lately, but it is still far superior to using metal. You only have to do it once and you don’t have to think about what is compatible with it or not. It’s truly the best solution for backing plates.

Fiberglass Sheets, Extren 500, 525, 625, GPO3, 1/8 to 1 1/2 Thick

I use this throughout my boat. For all of the backing plates. Especially where they were the most important.

you can cut this stuff with any saw, but I find a sawzall is the fastest way. you can drill out any hole you want in seconds. it will never corrode or rot in any way. you don’t have to think about compatibility with other materials.

You had this shipped from Wyoming?

[deblen]

6061 aluminum is widely used & available.
If you are thru-bolting with SS or Steel,drill the next size larger in the aluminum. Use Tefgel,etc if you have it.
SS ,Steel & other non-alum. bolts all cause the aluminum holes to "swell" some with AL. Oxide white powder in salt environment. 6061 & other marine aluminums are better but still do this over time.
The comm. fishing fleet have been using marine alum. rigging,etc for decades.
Cheers/Len


https://www.metalsdepot.com/aluminum...um-sheet-plate

[BAD ORCA]

Make a perfect fitting template from heavy cardboard of thin plywood, go to the local metal supply, pick up a chunk of 316 stainless and drop it all off at a shop that has a waterjet cutter. They can make a CAD file and cut them for you perfect fit. Even better, if you have CAD or simple computer drawing skills just draw a simple 2D cut file for them. Ask them what file format they prefer before doing your technical drawing. Most likely will be .dwg or .dxf.

A lot of shops that have waterjet capabilities may even have the stainless in stock or will get ti for you, but its cheaper to buy yourself. Industrial metal supply and i believe McMaster-Carr have the 316 stainless in 1/4"

[Rumrace]

I can’ 3D print any backing plates any hole pattern in poly Carbon or PEEK CF. Both are stronger than cast aluminum. The holes can be blank or better to the thread required. Great news is they are dirt cheap. Average 3-4$

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

You had this shipped from Wyoming?

Uh, no. I bought 4 x 8 sheets from a local supplier. And by Local I mean one day to drive there, and one day to drive back.

I got a sheet of half-inch and a sheet of quarter inch.

[Sailmonkey]

I’ll jump on the forget stainless bandwagon.

My go to materials are GPO3 (polyester) and G10(epoxy). I typically glue these plates in place with a flavor of epoxy.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Chotu

Uh, no. I bought 4 x 8 sheets from a local supplier. And by Local I mean one day to drive there, and one day to drive back.

I got a sheet of half-inch and a sheet of quarter inch.

Please let me know where you got that… I think I’m closer (Titusville) and may do the same thing.