Mild Steel for False Bottom?

[yournotpeter]

I bought a perforated stainless steel sheet from McMaster-Carr to build a false bottom for my brewing kettles. When I took it to my welder to cut it and weld a stand for it, he said it was mild steel and not good for food grade applications. Anyone know anything about "mild steel" and food grade applications?

These are the specs - this is all it said. I thought I was good with it:

Steel Perforated Sheet
.093" Hole Diameter, 33% Open, 16 Gauge, .06" Thick

http://www.mcmaster.com/#9255t545/=11tn7uh

Anyone have any thoughts if I'm OK with this?

 

[wilserbrewer]

Mild steel will rust on a humid day, and will quickly be a rusty mess if used in a MT.

Sorry, but I'm pretty sure it would be a wasted effort to try and use it for brewing.

 

[The_Bishop]

That's not stainless. Here are the stainless sheets:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#perforated-stainless-steel-sheets/=11tok8v

 

[yournotpeter]

That's not stainless. Here are the stainless sheets:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#perforated-stainless-steel-sheets/=11tok8v

Well, I blew that, didn't I? Thanks!

 

[The_Bishop]

No problem. Hey, we have *all* made mistakes!

 

[Sconnie12]

Why wouldn't you just buy one of the many many false bottom options that are already on the market?

 

[yournotpeter]

Why wouldn't you just buy one of the many many false bottom options that are already on the market?

It's for a 200+ gallon kettle - plus I have access to free welding!

 

[Yesfan]

It's for a 200+ gallon kettle - plus I have access to free welding!

Pics???

 

[yournotpeter]

Pics???

https://flic.kr/s/aHskxFTZic

 

[MCFLYFYTER]

https://flic.kr/s/aHskxFTZic

Seems small for 200 gallons

 

[Newsman]

Seems small for 200 gallons

I think you're missing the scale in the last picture on the right. The BK seems to be sitting on the floor in front of a small work table or something.

 

[jddevinn]

If you haven't cut on the sheet Mcmaster always takes returns.