Metal thickness for radiator

[hpmer]

Is there a minimum thickness to use for the barrel/radiator if there is more than the usual 2-3" between heat riser and radiator top?

I know that the top of the barrel can deflect in the normal setup, but I'm wondering if I can use a good sturdy steel filing cabinet as the housing for the riser. There would be well more than 6" of head space and I know that it is hard to get a usable hot spot above the riser the further you get from the riser.

So, the question is, would a thinner metal frame handle the top temperatures if the gap were extended or are the temps still too extreme to use anything less robust than the standard barrel?

[matthewwalker]

I've had good luck with 16g, I imagine some filing cabinets are about that gauge. I've had the same thought, people use them for smokers, and I've found a few at the thrift store that were just the right dimensions for a Walker Stove type configuration.

[hpmer]

And if it works it might look a bit better than an oil drum. That in turn might improve the WAF (wife acceptability factor).

Mine would have to go in the living room, so aesthetics are an important factor.