Cutting plate or buying segments

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First post! I've been looking at making a few things and lurking quite a bit, taking in lots of info and great ideas. I am going to start a new project in 2 weeks with a steel plate that my employer let me take home. It's 30"x40" and 1/2 inch thick.I need to cut the plate into 8"x30" strips, giving me a total of 5. I read on a previous post that it should be possible to find a metal shop that has a sheer capable of this thickness metal for the straightest cuts, but I'm having a hard time finding a shop that has something like that.My question is, does steel come in 8"x30"x1/2" dimensions? I could probably sell the plate I have and buy the pieces I need if those dimensions are already available. I don't know much about what sizes steel generally is sold. The smaller sizes would also make it much easier for me to work with, as i'll be moving it by myself. I have the steel plate on movers dollies right now.attached is a picture of the plate.Thanks for all your help in advance I hope this is also the right sub-forum! Attached Images
Reply:Hello cannibal, depending on the area that you live in you may or may not find anyone that readily has a 1/2" shear available to do your cutting. However, it is likely that someone has a track burner that could cut this into pieces for you. If you don't find a shop that is reasonable try your local community college, vo-tech, or high school if they have metals programs. It is likely that they might have a student that could use some lay-out/cutting experience, whether it be with a shear, plasma cutter, or track burner with an oxy-fuel torch. So give it a try. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Thanks for the tip Allan. I hadn't thought about taking it to a school. I'm thinking there should be a couple with metal programs, San Diego is a pretty decently sized city. Though I was surprised I couldn't find a shop with a sheer, but I might not have been looking in the right places. Thanks again!
Reply:American Laser Fab in San Diego # 760-480-2727 is one .. in a google for fab shops in San Diegoidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:or you could build a track torch yourself.....Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:I'd look for 8" x 1/2" flat bar. If it needs to be really straight, get cold rolled. It should cost about $1.00 per inch for hot roll or maybe $2.00/inch for cold roll. Hot roll will come in 20 foot bars and the cold roll is usually 12 feet long. They will probably want a cut charge, I'd guess about $10. If the actual length does not need to be very precise the steel yard should be able to cut it for you, but if they are anything like the steel yard i go to, their cut tolerances are +/- 1/4". Hot roll is probably going to cost less than having your piece cut by a pro. Cold rolled will definitely be nicer than anything cut from a sheet.Last edited by fortyonethirty; 10-11-2011 at 11:48 AM.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:A quick google search shows they supply 1/2" x 8" A36 hot rolled steel in standard 20' lengths. Your steel supplier can cut to length if you do not have the tools to do it yourself. My local steel yard gives one free cut per 20' stick which works for me as I have a 10' trailer to haul it home with.
Reply:Originally Posted by sanddan52A quick google search shows they supply 1/2" x 8" A36 hot rolled steel in standard 20' lengths. Your steel supplier can cut to length if you do not have the tools to do it yourself. My local steel yard gives one free cut per 20' stick which works for me as I have a 10' trailer to haul it home with.
Reply:That 30x40x1/2 plate you could use as a top for a nice welding table, if your going to buy the 8"x20'x1/2 and get it cut to length.
Reply:These guys are local here (Minneapolis), so not useful to you as a supplier, but the online catalog should give you a nice idea of standard sizes and grades.  It doesn't cover everything, but hits all the basics hobbyists should want.Like others said, look for bar stock.  Sometimes you can find it a lot wider than you probably thought you could.www.discountsteel.com-DaveXMT304 with: 22A Feeder, or HF251 Hi Freq DC TIG air cooled
Reply:I can't believe those prices at discountsteel.  Absolutely amazingAt least twice what I pay at the local supplier.Find an industrial area, or an area where there's a lot of oilfield activity, then find a supplier in the area.  Also, if you can handle the lengths/size, buy stock lengthsYou shouldn't be paying more than around 60 cents a pound for most structural shapes, and plate.  And steel is quite high right now"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:The online prices are much higher than if you go in person.  They really nail you online.  I just use the website as a reference guide and never for ordering.  They are one of the biggest suppliers in this area and they will deal with the small orders/hobbyists without hassling you so they are a pretty good resource overall.-DaveXMT304 with: 22A Feeder, or HF251 Hi Freq DC TIG air cooled