New ESL...18ga perforate steel flimsy??

[dochungwell]

I just received the steel for my new ESL build. I had them cut to 18x48" however, the stators seem that they will be somewhat flimsy. Should I rethink my dimensions to something smaller, or is this common and will work fine when set into a frame?

Thanks,
Jerry

[CharlieM]

Originally Posted by dochungwell

I just received the steel for my new ESL build. I had them cut to 18x48" however, the stators seem that they will be somewhat flimsy. Should I rethink my dimensions to something smaller, or is this common and will work fine when set into a frame?

Thanks,
Jerry

I think 18 gauge should work fine-- lower open area would be stiffer than more but you should be OK. The stators will stiffen up substantially once they are bonded together into panels and mounted in a frame. If you feel the need to add some rigidity, you could add some square steel tubing to the backside with double backed tape as shown in the attached photo. The square tubes come in 48" lengths at $6 each at Home Depot.

[dochungwell]

Thanks Charlie! Now I can sleep, I like this option!

Thanks again
Jerry