by ctstaas » Tue Aug 26, 2014 11:57 am
Hi Bud, The better question is why not build a cabin of square tubing? I've been a welder for 37 years and not building with steel has it's merits. Wood framing is lighter. 1" x .065 tubing weights .826 # per foot. Wood does not have the same impact/ crash resistance but I'm OK with that. Wood is cheaper. Tubing is running about $1.00 per pound lately in my town. It is easier to attach the siding and interior finishes to a wood cabin vs. a metal cabin. I can add attachments to my plywood walls and know I have backing. Metal frame and insulation, skinned, not so much? Work trailer, animal trailer, sure. Camper, no.
My hatch frame is rolled square tubing covered with plywood and AL strip and is bullet proof. Page 25 of the "C"s of the member's has some pics of mine. The support is 1/2" round that automatically falls into a steel receiver and I'm making steel running boards, foldable icechest holder and roof rack so there is always something needing welding. That you can work with metal is a great advantage at times but some thing should be made of wood IMHO.
Enjoy, Chris