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in article , west at
wrote on 2/2/05 10:54 PM:

Thanks to all the RATs for previous advice on custom chassis size. I'd like
to ask if given heavy enough gauge ... which is better for constructing an
amp ... steel or aluminum? Do they each have their own merits? Thanks.
Cordially,
west

West.

I gave a lot of thought to your question when I designed my enclosures. I
ended up using steel for the frame for strength and because it is easy to
seal the corners and decorate. I use 1/8" thick aluminum panels on the tops
and bottoms which are a) easy to machine; b) strong enough for heavy
transformers; c) can be tapped and drilled to simplify mounting or removing
components, and d)don't have the magnetic field issue of steel.

Copper is pretty and has other advantages but has a couple of challenges:

1) I don't know of an easy way to join and seal copper without using solder
or brazing material, which destroys the "virgin copper" look. If you are
painting it with an opaque finish, then no problem.

2) Copper is fairly reactive and unless protected can corrode in certain
environments in conjunction with dissimilar metals (e.g. steel)

My chassis can be seen at www.yaegeraudio.com