New to buying steel -what to ask for at supplier

[lhfarm]

I've done a couple of welding projects, but have worked from plans with a material list. I have just gone in with my list to the only supplier in town and ended up with what I needed. This time, I'm doing my own design (a snow plow sub-frame) so I have to do my own list. I know I'm going to need some flat plate so do I just ask for thickness, width and length or are there standard widths? What are some of the standard terms I should be using - when is a piece a plate and not a bar? So if I need a couple of feet of 3/8" x 4"W steel, what do I ask for? Just trying not to look too stupid...

 

[RoyJackson]

I wouldn't worry about looking "stupid" at all...you'd be surprised of the number of professional buyers who require some education about the products, services and materials they purchase.

If you go in there trying to be an "expert", they'll see right through you...and probably screw you (for being an ***)

So, just go in..tell them what you need (sketches would help) and let their expertise and experience help you...

 

[k0ua]

on the plate, it is usually 4 foot by 8 foot sheet,(approximately) I think it is called plate or sheet steel up to about 11 guage (which is about 1/8 of an inch). but I am not sure on some of this either.. the bar or 3/8 by 4 inches wide will come in a 20 foot length. but my place will cut what ever you want off of that, But there is usually a cut charge. you may want to consider and ask if they have some left over from the last cut job they did say 4 foot left over, and not pay a cut charge, and you come out ahead, more steel for less money..I have never done anything but the full sheets on the sheet steel. They might cut that for you,.. ask.. As for the guages the larger the number the thinner the steel.. say 11 guage is about 1/8 inch well 16 guage would be a lot thinner. (I dont have the chart handy). but you can look it up. Keep in mind a full sheet of 11 guage is a lot for one guy to handle. I pulled off a sheet of 12 guage the other day, and cut it myself without help but it was a job. They loaded it into my truck with a big clamp and a crane. Hope this helps a little.

James K0UA

 

[Gary Fowler]

All of the W, M, I and C beam have different weights per foot. Just asking for 4" channel wont be sufficient as you could get same size from about 4 pounds to the foot to over 15. It might be better to tell them what you are building and see if they can suggest a weight for you unless you know the thickness of the flange and web on beams. Google structural steel shapes and see all the different dimensions of beams, angle and plate available in inch size and metric. Some places will have both but likely in the USA they may only have inch or gauge but try to stick with one or the other and not mix them as they are just a little different dimensionally on most sizes

 

[k0ua]

I wouldn't worry about looking "stupid" at all...you'd be surprised of the number of professional buyers who require some education about the products, services and materials they purchase.

If you go in there trying to be an "expert", they'll see right through you...and probably screw you (for being an ***)

So, just go in..tell them what you need (sketches would help) and let their expertise and experience help you...

Yep, good advice..

 

[jones6780]

Also you will need to decide on "hot roll" or 'cold roll' metal. Cold roll is more dimensionally accurate and available in different alloys such as 1018, 1020, 1080, 4130, 4140.

Russell

 

[lhfarm]

I wouldn't worry about looking "stupid" at all...you'd be surprised of the number of professional buyers who require some education about the products, services and materials they purchase.

If you go in there trying to be an "expert", they'll see right through you...and probably screw you (for being an ***)

So, just go in..tell them what you need (sketches would help) and let their expertise and experience help you...

I appreciate the advice and will do as suggested. I'm also going to do some self-education on the basics, with some of the suggestions here. I need to know enough to to be able to improve my designs. I'd like to start building more of my own stuff.

Thanks,

 

[HCJtractor]

Check out the web site discount steel.com. They have most products with good descriptions, sizing, and prices. I find that I can look up steel here, learn more about what's available, and get an estimate on price. Then I can either order it or more commonly buy it locally.

 

[jonyyuma]

Buying local, sure beats the shipping. they were very co-operative when i asked for materials to build my grille guard, and make new pins for the FEL. I saved a few dollars taking the leftovers from jobs. Cuts can be as much as $10.00 each?

 

[lhfarm]

Check out the web site discount steel.com. They have most products with good descriptions, sizing, and prices. I find that I can look up steel here, learn more about what's available, and get an estimate on price. Then I can either order it or more commonly buy it locally.

Great site! Just the sort of information I am looking for. I was doing a Google search and came across this http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/related-topics/93772-dimensions-structural-steel-shapes.html I did do a search here before I sent the note, but missed this.

Thanks again for the site!