Ideas on how you store your metal...

admin

.....I wasn't sure where to post this but I will try it here.  I tried a search but came up with very little.....I have a small(ish) shop and space is very limited.  I was wondering what you guys use to store your welding materials, scrap metal, or stock.  I have a lot of small scrap that I keep in plastic totes and buckets but it is a pain to have to dig through them when I need a peice for a project.  I prefer not to store my metal outside.   Any ideas fellas? Thanks in advance.
Reply:Get a bunch of 5 gallon buckets, and put each type of scrap in each bucket... flat bar in one, round stock in others, square tubing in another... aluminum in another, etc etc...For metal in full lengths (20ft +), build a a series of arms on a wall, and place them so they will support a good chunk of steel without strain on the wall (maybe someone else will chime in who knows more about weight walls can support), but its an idea anyway...Miller Performance AD Helmet - Camo Edition Soon to have: Jackson HSL 100 - Forest Digi CamoMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC((Currently at welding school))
Reply:I keep every thing under 5' in drawers made of C purlines that are under my welding table. The metal is separated by types and is very easy to find stuff.You can see them in this picture. Attached Images
Reply:Small pieces are stuffed in 5 gallon buckets, generally sorted by type and purpose. Medium lengths are stood up right in the corner and longer lengths are either stored in a rack on the wall or laid flat under the old car for longer term storage. I have some long lengths of alum channel and tube stored in the rafters since it's light weight and eventually for the rack on the big truck. Some of the stuff standing up in the corner is sorted in large diameter pipe lengths that I strapped together to keep things from getting all jammed up and making it easier to get stuff out. Some is just laid in between the stud bays and held there by a length of 1x nailed across the studs.I find the Rubbermaid double shelf standards and brackets ideal for wall storage. It will hold quite a bit of weight and is easily adjustable..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I got some metal troughs from a demo which were 18" wide X 5" deep and 4' long. I cut them into three different hights, short, medium and full 4'. As you can see it is very easy to see and get any size metal  I have. It also keeps the pipe, solid rod, flat bar, and angle seperated. I also picked up this blue rack from a haedware auction which will do the same thing when I get a place to put it. Attached Images
Reply:Thanks for the ideas guys!!  TrapperJohn,  that is what I am looking for!!  I have five gallon buckets crammed with scrap every where but I really like your storage design because it is easy to see in an instant what you have without having to dig through the five gallon buckets......thanks for sharing!!!
Reply:If you want to build one like that blue rack, Tractor Supply (and probably any other farm/ranch supply store) has utility panels that have 4"x4" or 4"x2" openings.  Perfect for this sort of thingDynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Trapperjohn, that is the tidiest cut off rack I have ever seen. I cant stand my pile of 5gal buckets...I definately have to rig up a similar set up as yoursThermal Arc Fabricator 2101970 Lincoln RedfaceMiller 150 STLStill need a Syncrowave and a plasma and a milling machine and a lathe and a bigger shop and a....
Reply:You can make some support system that goes several feet upwards. Then you can pile the metal upwards and leave some space underneath that you can use for other usefull storage possibilities (things you use more often). Just make sure it strong enough that the it can sefaley bare the weight.
Reply:
Reply: