Where do you buy your metal stock?

[BigBlue1]

I'm wondering where folks typically get their stock metal pieces from for projects? In the past I've purchased small pieces from Menards or Home Depot and I have a machine shop not too far away that sells most common stuff (angle, flat, pipe, etc.). I either buy full lengths or sometimes they have cuts from projects they've done. They can cut stuff for me but obviously that's more expensive. They sell the steel by weight. It's not a bad option but they have limited hours and are not open Saturdays or after 5pm so it makes it tough to get there for me.

I looked into some online sales places but, as expected, freight costs are gigantic for the small quantities I'd need.

Is there some other type of business that tends to stock and sell standard types of steel that I should be looking for?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Peter 315]

Same here tsc or home depot if I dont have it around and cant wait , For bigger stuff I get it through my wife's work they use Cohen steel, I get a discount and she picks it up for me and pays for it.....:thumbsup:

 

[Citydude]

We have 3 large steel suppliers here because of the energy companies.

If I need something small, TSC or Home Depot. I’m weaning myself off of them because they are higher priced plus I need to build up my steel supply. So if I need a small piece, I’ll get double the amount at a supplier.

 

[Roadworthy]

We have a couple junk yards that buy and sell metals (not cars). If they have what I want they're quite willing to sell by the pound. They're not open after 5:00 or on weekends, though.

 

[Citydude]

I have a good friend who owns a small machine shop. I need to ask him about cuts he has laying around.

 

[stuckmotor]

For years, I've read about people who get drops for cheap. The machine shop teacher at the local vocational school told me he'd only found one piece of steel that way. It was then that I gave up hope of finding cheap steel. I buy my metal in places similar to where you (OP) buy yours. Those who live near places where fabricators are anxious to get rid of drops are very fortunate.

 

[dragoneggs]

I go to my local welding supply company. Much more selection and much lower prices.

 

[KennyG]

I have an excellent steel supply shop that has a wide variety and very good prices. It's about 50 miles away, so when I have a major project I buy extra so I have my own stock. The prices are much better than the hardware stores or the welding shops. Search around and there should be something in your area.

 

[BigBlue1]

So other folks have a similar challenge to me and the options are sort of random. If you live near a machine shop or something you're golden but otherwise not so much.

What is considered a good price per pound for basic steel like angle iron, flat stock, DOM pipe, etc?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[BukitCase]

Out of curiosity I've priced the online sellers; makes me REALLY glad there's an actual steel supplier close to me (main branch about 35 miles, "local" branch 16 miles)

They deliver from the main branch, free for over $100 order (useta be $50). These days, 1 stick (20 or 24') costs that much, so deliveries are ALWAYS free

I tend to use square tube for a lot of things, like the look AND the increased torsional strength. I normally keep at least 1 stick of several sizes/wall thickness, up to 2.530" receiver tube. In 2" I usually have .095, .120 and 1/4" wall around. There's about 8 sticks of .120 wall 1-1/2" tube on the rack atm, along with 15 sticks of .120 wall 2x2, 20 sticks of .095 wall 1", couple sticks of 1-3/4 x .120 wall, couple 2" x .250 wall, few sticks of unistrut, some barn door track, probably missed a few...

Usually keep 3 or 4 different sizes of angle, some key stock, flat bar up to 3/4" thick; whatever I tend to use enough of.

Rarely use the local "scrap" dealer, they seem to copy the current NEW price per pound for their pricing structure.

Next door neighbor runs a custom car shop, he and a couple of my friends know that if I have a particular size/shape around they can get it in whatever length they need - I charge them whatever I paid per pound, no charge for the cut. I don't bother to weigh for this, just use this chart

https://www.farweststeel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FWS-Weights-and-Gauges-2019-combined.pdf

I use that chart so much I also keep a copy on my phone - it's nice to know BEFORE you try to lift whatcha built, whether you should use a crane or not ... Steve

Last couple years mild steel runs within a nickel of $1 a pound in most shapes...