decent steel supplier south Chicagoland

admin

Hello all, I've been trying to source a decent steel supplier within reason of Joliet Illinois.  I've done ok with my first couple of projects finding steel at some of the local scrap yards, but now the last couple times I went hunting I came up with nothing.  I wouldn't mind buying new if the prices were not out of this world, but that's all I seem to keep coming up with.  The only places I can come up with do not typically sell to the public, and seem to skyrocket their prices to either make it worth their while, or drive you away.  I'm getting ready to start a smoker build.  I stumbled upon a few sheets of stainless sheet for scrap prices, and would like to stick with stainless for the project if I could.  I don't need much, just some angle and some expanded SS.  Please let me know if there is somewhere within an hour or so I should be checking.  Any info would be much appreciated for this project and for the future.  Thanks, NickPS: I've looked online and onlinemetals.com seems to have ok prices, but shipping kills you too.  I would like to support a local ish business if at all possible. Thanks again
Reply:Did you try metal supermarket? That is the only place I buy from (mainly because it's the only one I really know of) and buy from their drop zone. AKA scrap pile.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I have bought a couple pieces from there.  I asked them on the phone about buying drop and they made it seem like I wasn't worth their time.  Maybe ill just swing in one of these days.
Reply:The attitude of the sales guys there aren't the greatest but they are very nice guys.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Try looking in your Yellow Pages or Google for "steel services" near Chicago. There are sure to be some steel sellers nearby. You'll get raped dealing online (with shipping) or going to Home Depot or a retail place.