New to welding, need supplier advice

[erkme73]

I recently moved to BFE in middle-TN. I need to find a supplier of raw metal supplies (tubing, channel, angle, etc), but haven't a clue what to search for on the web (or phone book, for that matter).

I searched Google maps for welding supplies, metal suppliers, etc, and the results are for things that don't match.

Is there a terminology used that helps people find local metal suppliers?

 

[yomax4]

Ask your local welding supply. They will know and likely work with the steel centers.

 

[rhunt]

Locate an welding shop in your area and ask them. Always better advice from them and they can advise you as to who in your area is the best gas/rod supplier to use. Bob

 

[RNeumann]

Gas- start with medical gas and they will have what you need or know who does. The store may have a few consumables but if not the internet may be the way to go for supplies.

 

[joeu235]

Craigslist is how I found both of my main suppliers.

 

[Stimw]

Locate an welding shop in your area and ask them. Always better advice from them and they can advise you as to who in your area is the best gas/rod supplier to use. Bob

This is your answer.
Find a shop that is friendly and ask info from them.
They will also have drops that they might sell you or let you order with them.

 

[OzarkMike]

I Googled raw metal sales and distribution in middle TN, and came up with this. Have you tried these folks? Home

 

[erkme73]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Getting a hold of a welding gas supply shop makes sense. Unfortunately, I missed the window on trying it before the weekend.

I'll have to look into TNsteel. I think once I find a welding shop, it'll be pretty straight forward. Getting to that point was just leaving me empty handed. I'll post back here on Monday after I reach out to a few welding shops.

 

[BHD]

most ever welding/repair/fabercation shop around here, will either order for you, or sell there standing stock, to a person,
some at better prices than others, some if you buy a full stick, (normally 20 or 24 foot, long for structural shapes, a lower price), for a fee many will cut to size,

and in larger cities there are shops that just sell steel, and metals of all sizes and types,