Why steel??? Steel is inexpensive,I can buy mandrel bent tubing with short radii,can't make bends like that myself,I have 18 gauge sheet steel on hand,and access to a brake to bend it.I have some experience working with steel.I own a MIG welder.
If I use aluminum,I have to buy equipment to weld it,the aluminum is more expensive,harder to find and doesn't bend as easily as steel,and i never really worked with it much.Now the project becomes more expensive and I have to rely on others to do some of the work.
What I learned from years as a construction wireman;to keep on schedule for a completion date and to keep costs inline,never work yourself into a corner
