I almost never build with tube unless I have to.

 

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

 

They both have their merits, but if I was planning on stocking up on one size of material for general shop storage projects, it'd be something like 1/8" wall 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 inch square tube..

Square tube on its own is going to be stronger - more torsional rigidity and less likely to kink (compared to a angle iron of the same relative dimension)

What project do you have in mind?

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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.

 

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.

 

Must be nice to be near supplies, it's close to 100 miles for me to get any serious metal, I can get 2, 3, 4, 6 foot pieces at ACE, but it's like gold when buying precut steel.

 

I have an 8' brake bends up to 16 gauge steel. Cabinets & tool boxes, I more often use bent sheet than either.

 

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.

 

Yes Willie,,, 2 things I regret not getting, finger brake and an ironworker.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I've used both, each has its place. Learning how to cope angle iron is a basic skill you need to acquire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZVqMnktPq0

I made this small welding table with angle iron

View attachment small table.jpg


I made this welding table with 2 inch square tube
View attachment table1.jpg

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

View attachment folding table2.jpg

I made this running gear for my Syncrowave out of angle

View attachment 20170313_144419.jpg

 

I've used both, each has its place. Learning how to cope angle iron is a basic skill you need to acquire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZVqMnktPq0

I made this small welding table with angle iron
View attachment 1740783


I made this welding table with 2 inch square tube
View attachment 1740784

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

View attachment 1740785

I made this running gear for my Syncrowave out of angle

View attachment 1740786

Gotta cap those holes in them square tubes! https://www.mcmaster.com/9565K56/

 

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 look

Dave

 

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

 

GOOD! I just figured I'd give you an easy way out.

Plastic caps are better than no caps! I was actually going to link to metal caps, but push-in metal caps for square tube are expensive. Like $10 a piece expensive!

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I probably would have had opens,,,, hahahaha

 

Yeah, my thought was to cap them later, but I never really got around to it, as it really didn't need it for any reason. I actually have sold that table since then. Maybe after I move next June I'll build another.

 

Here is a welded cap on top because the rectangular tube legs needed welded "ends"

all welded caps here also because of the angled flush mount design

plastic caps

combo. welded and open

I do whatever I "think" looks best, how I feel and a lot depends on what plastic caps are available economically in small quantities (don't forget i'm
in Canada)

 

Tubing has its place on equipment for sure and often in mfg while not totally automated they batch run a tube thru a process and bend etc that a hand builder cant compete cost wise. Especially factor paint etc.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgLnADEfm6E

 

I was waiting on a pump and clicked on that vid,,, very good.

 

When we did a couple of the bench jobs we used angle for the frame underneath and in one case only 2 ft wide and used 1/8. The 4 and 5 ft I believe was 3/16 x 1 1/2. With it stitched along to the top in 3 or w4 placed didnt allow the flange to buckle and they were really strong especially with a mid shelf. As I recall angle and channel were the cheapest now. Channel would be good under also.