Does this sound normal to you guys?

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Went to the LWS today for first time.  Ive gotten all my supplies so far off internet (BR welding, weldabulous, etc).  Right as I walk in, the guy jumps on me kinda nasty "what u need!".  I explain to him that I just got my first welder and Id like to know if he has some scrap hed be willing to sell me to practice on.  He snickers and says "What do you mean scrap?, I have drops."  I tell him Im not sure what drops are, and ask if he has just pieces I can buy to practice on, like a bin of unused pieces (scrap).  He says "Come back when u know what U need, I cant have u wandering around the back looking for junk."  Needless to say, I was a little shocked by this.  I already was a little nervous going in there since Im a noob and was unsure of how Id be treated.  Not a good first experience with the LWS.I then ask if he fills or exchanges cylinders.  I tell him I got an 80cf online.  He basically yells back "If you aint buying it from me, I aint exchanging it!  Get it where u got it from!"WTF?Im going to look for a new LWS.  I hope they dont all treat noobs like crap.Also, where can I look for scrap?Thanks.....pretty discouraged.
Reply:Yepper,Sounds just about right to me.Did you really expect him to kiss your azz, when you didn't even know what to ask for?BTW:  Drops are what you call scraps.Most LWS shops don't even have drops.  They sell welders and welding supplies.If you're looking for drops (scraps) you should be checking with local production shops or local fabricators.  I'd still recommend learning the lingo before you come across looking foolish.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:On the other hand the LWS just ran off someone who would have become a customer.  Unless you had to stand in a long line, he could use another customer.As a customer I don't put up with a lot of BS.  If a place doesn't want my business I'll be happy to take my money elsewhere.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:If your in an area with a lot of manufacturing/mining then the local places probably have supply contracts with them and couldnt care less for a guy whos only going to spend a few hundred a year in there so they dont take the time to deal with em
Reply:hey Ironman, I live a place that is all manufacturing, big machine shops, machinery fabricators, etc. and both LWS's I deal with are happy to help me, answer questions, etc.Of course we all need as much business as we can get right now.I do agree he needs to learn the language, but how is he going to learn if they treat him like that. Whether he bought a used machine or on-line, doesn't matter. They did not get that sale but I'm sure he will need tips, wire, gas, tools, helmet, gloves, grinders, discs, etc. They should be interested in earning his business. I don't expect to get the same price as big customers, so it is good margin business for them. I think they treat me fair.I would look for another LWS. BTW, you should try to find a local scrap yard or a machine shop/fabricator. I'm sure they can hook you up with more than enough scrap to practice and learn on. Unless you want a truck-load, they will probably give you enough to start or somewhere around $.25/lb. Don't buy at the big box stores, they are way too high for practice stuff, or projects too for that matter. Find a local steel supplier. Around here, they will cut in half to help you haul it or deliver a few sticks if you don't have to have it right this minute. I tell them anytime in the next few days when they are coming to my area is fine. Usually they deliver the same day with no delivery fee. It's all about treating the customer fair, but then you need to buy as much as you reasonably can from them, too.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Originally Posted by AndyAAs a customer I don't put up with a lot of BS.  If a place doesn't want my business I'll be happy to take my money elsewhere.
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtI would look for another LWS.
Reply:You just had a bad experience... one of our LWS gives U a discount if UR a student... and they treat ya' ok. The other fella is a bit huffy.  After shipping costs and errors I think the local LWS is pretty close on $ in my area.   So... drops huh?  no wonder why that fella at the big fabricator snickers when I go look for "scraps"  for a little project.  Course the last time I went around he found me a 5" piece of heavy pipe and reamed it a bit to fit the O.D. of my project pipe.  It was 1 7/8" ID  and needed to be 1 57/64". + 1/64".   Then he chucked  up that pipe and milled a 5/8" wide slot in it for me stem to stearn 5"+.  Then he showed me HOW to do the project from examples he had done for big customers... and he charged me $20.   That is more what  you should expect if you go in with some respect and a smile.  I suggest if you find such a fabricator you come by with an extra large pizza once in awhile.welcome to WW.   you "scrappy" li'l devil.  drops~ ya' learn sumthin' ever day here ~Last edited by PapaLion; 10-03-2011 at 04:42 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Originally Posted by kllrbeeWent to the LWS today for first time.  Ive gotten all my supplies so far off internet (BR welding, weldabulous, etc).  Right as I walk in, the guy jumps on me WTF?Im going to look for a new LWS.  I hope they dont all treat noobs like crap.
Reply:Like AndyA said, "On the other hand the LWS just ran off someone who would have become a customer."  Not a good move.  You never really know when the shoe may be on the other foot.  Who knows?  Today's poorly treated hobbiest welder could in a few years time be the purchasing agent for a large company.  Payback Time!Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Shop local & you'd get a better reception.
Reply:Embrace your Noobness- much easier iffin' you don't mind looking "foolish".Re: Learn the Lingo- where is one to learn this terminology? Scrap/Drop- seriously he ain't asking for a specific tool that would require the proper name to get the correct item.The guy certainly has the right to be a little upset that he didn't get the sale of the new machine and jug o' gas but doesn't sound like he wants that sale anyway. I doubt that he would spend any time with a Noob to educate him on which machine would be a good fit.but I agree about the rest WTF- why the phuck do people have to be such arseholes right out of the gate.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Hey guys, Thanks for your input.After reading my post, sounds like Im coming off like a whiny "you know waht".  Sorry bout that.  Fwiw, of course I dont expect him to kiss my azz.  I dont ever expect anyone to kiss my azz....ever.  I hate kiss asses.  To be honest, I dont know what I expected.  But the guy wasnt busy, he had no line, and wasnt on the phone.  He was leaning up on the counter reading the paper.  I guess I can see his point...some guy comes in and doesnt know exactly what he wants, and isnt going to spend lots of money, why bother?  But man, relax a little....he was all excited when I asked about the cylinder.  Pretty funny now that I think about it.As far as lingo, Ive been trying to read as much as I can about welding for the last 2 weeks and I never came across "drops".  Everything Ive read or watched says to practice on a piece of "scrap".  Doesnt matter...if its drops and not scrap, so be it....LOL.Btw, I called the local airgas and they were very helpful.  Im sure I can find a machine/fab shop to get practice pieces.
Reply:"Drops" are what is left after cutting for a job, or trims on the new piece to get a straight first edge. The piece "drops" on the floor. get it?Relax, you will do fine, by the way you won't learn the lingo reading on the net in just a few weeks much less a few years. A lot of the terms are localized anyway.Tim Beeker.
Reply:if the guy told me to come back when i know what i need  i'd tell him i know i dont need his attitude and i wont be back..you asked  in english for scrap to practice on.. close enough, he just wanted to break balls, so piss on him..
Reply:**** that guy. ****'em.Find a steel supplier in your area. Go ask for "drops", "scrap pieces" or practice pieces. It's all english, they all mean the same thing...to someone who is not a ****tard. Hopefully you can find another LWS and never give that company a dime. Next time, remember you are there to give them your money! they are supposed to be courteous, if not respectful. Never anything wrong with standing up for yourself when you feel you are being mistreated. **** that guy!Weldanpower 225 G7Ironworkers Local #24
Reply:Live and work in a heavy industrial and fabrication area with quite a few welding suppliers and I have as yet to come across any salesman or rep that would treat any noob welder or hobby welder who didn't know the " lingo " like that whether the shop sports a revolving door or a sign begging for customers.  Short of this guy coming in and acting like a total A hole there's no reason for the salesman to act that way to him so no I will say that this is not typical of any kind of retailer.Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.
Reply:It also makes a big difference if the guy is the owner, or just a hired counter jockey.The hired counter jockey makes the paycheck whether you come in or not, and it's easier on him if you don't.  Call the manager or owner.  The owner will care, and the manager's paycheck could be tied to sales performance.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:whats this about learning the lingo? when you go into a retail store the lingo is dollars and change. if the lws cant speak that lingo, go somewhere else.  the store i deal with is awesome. my first time in i told him i own a bottle thats about 3' tall. how much to fill it with argon. he told me the price, he didnt say how many cubic ft is it or any other crap like that. he knew what i was talking about and helped me out. then started asking me what i do and how business is . then he gives me tips on places that i should go to look for work.  stand up guy and he always has my business even thow i moved 1hr away.  him being nice and talking with me caused me to buy my plasma cutter from him rather then the internet.
Reply:It's a cyclical thing. I've seen LWSs come and go, change management, change employees and change names, customers migrate back and forth according to the reception they get at the door. Don't take it personal. They didn't single you out."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Originally Posted by kllrbeeWent to the LWS today for first time.  Ive gotten all my supplies so far off internet (BR welding, weldabulous, etc).  Right as I walk in, the guy jumps on me kinda nasty "what u need!".  I explain to him that I just got my first welder and Id like to know if he has some scrap hed be willing to sell me to practice on.  He snickers and says "What do you mean scrap?, I have drops."  I tell him Im not sure what drops are, and ask if he has just pieces I can buy to practice on, like a bin of unused pieces (scrap).  He says "Come back when u know what U need, I cant have u wandering around the back looking for junk."  Needless to say, I was a little shocked by this.  I already was a little nervous going in there since Im a noob and was unsure of how Id be treated.  Not a good first experience with the LWS.I then ask if he fills or exchanges cylinders.  I tell him I got an 80cf online.  He basically yells back "If you aint buying it from me, I aint exchanging it!  Get it where u got it from!"WTF?Im going to look for a new LWS.  I hope they dont all treat noobs like crap.Also, where can I look for scrap?Thanks.....pretty discouraged.
Reply:Hi KLLRBEE,Just don't get discouraged. Welding is a great hobby and becomes addictive. But welders are known for having thick skin, so listen, learn, ask questions, etc. here or with professional welders. Sure, you might get a few zingers, but that's as much to measure your reaction as anything. Cull the bad comments, read enough posts to know who to pay attention to.Shovelon, the AirGas here is great to work with, but I'm sure there are some that are not so good.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:I'd probably give them one more shot.  I would figure out what I need and matter of factly announce with no less attitude than you were presented with.  You never know.  Some of the biggest jackasses I ever met are my best friends.  I wouldnt be bashful about it though.  Just food for thought.
Reply:Come back when you know what you need? What you needed at that point was a BFH, ( Lingo Lesson Here) thats a Big Fn Hammer to straighten him out, Go to another vendor unless he is the only game in town, Today's newby could be tomorrows biggest account, never know. Now as far as scrap drops, good way to put that huh, Theres the dump, the scrapyard, and pickin the curbs on garbage day, People throw out all kinds of metal everyday, like bed frames and other things. Keep at it there is still alot of great guys doing this."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Hi kllrbee.  I'm from IL as well.  I've had great experiences with Weld-mart in Wheeling.  They are really nice, helpful, and have exchanged all my cylinders regardless of where I originally purchased them.  They are always willing to discuss issues and answer my questions.  Very nice, good people.  They are off Milwaukee Rd, on Sumac. Right at Palwaukee airport.  (It will always be Palwaukee to me..and Sears Tower, and Cominksy Park...etc)For scrap/drops, visit Waukegan Steel Sales on Route 120.  They'll give you a helmet and eye protection and guide you to the various drop piles that you can select from and they generally sell it by the pound.  I've found them to be a bit on expensive side, but they offer excellent service.  As a matter of fact, one time I was buying materials for the Cub Scouts and when I went to pay, the told me they were donating the materials to my pack!!!  They also have pretty much anything you'd ever want.  I've also been to a few other metal suppliers in the area, but I really like the people at Waukegan Steel.Let me know if you need more info or details and in this economy...a SERVICE economy, if a supplier/store is not providing the customer service you expect, then go elsewhere.  You are the paying customer and stores do not survive without you and everyone else who buys their goods.--DeerhuntreMy LWS treated me like that once, and I am a business owner. I walked out the door, down two blocks and into another, where I have since bought two welders, plasma cutter, 6 bottles, countless fills, and lots of consumables. When the prices of everything went haywire a while back I started calling around for fill prices every time I need it, and found it cheaper at the place that treated me poorly years prior. I went back and found that he had been canned for poor sales and a shrinking customer base. The new guys were friendly and gave me even better prices when I set up a commercial account. Life catches up to people like that, especially if you tell their boss.
Reply:Don't take shyte from idiots like that! I would have waited until another customer came in and then proceeded to tell him off the top of my voice so everyone could hear me that if that is how he treats prospective customers that he does not deserve my business and that I will make it my mission for the next twelve months to rubbish his shop to everyone I meet. Follow up with a letter to say that. Make the jerk suffer ten-fold!Let them know that the only way to repair the damage would be to shoot the jerk in the town square.You asked perfectly reasonable questions and the bastard should have helped.
Reply:Years ago I found that it dosen't matter how much business someone is giving you, .01% or 90%.  A dissatisfied customer will tell everyone how mistreated they were, a satisfied customer will tell whoever asks.  90% of my income came from 10% of my customers.  90% of the complaints were from 2-5% of the customers.  I had to keep everyone happy without sucking up to do it.  Some customers are just looking to complain.  Maybe your encounter had came right after some jerk was there and you were the unlucky receiver of his ire.When I am asking about something that I am unsure of I try to let them know upfront that I am not sure of the terms to use.  Most will bend over backwards to help.BTW here they are called ends or shorts.Last edited by blackpowder; 10-04-2011 at 05:14 AM.Reason: additional thought
Reply:The guy sounds like a world class D-bag.Drops? Scraps? WTF, the guy KNEW what you meant, why does he have to be like, "You're not in the club, you don't know the secret handshake so I'm not going to take your money."From the sounds of him, he probably doesn't know one end of the torch from the other.Fukkem. Life's too short to waste time dealing with jerkoffs.
Reply:The store wouldnt have happened to be airgas would it? The guys in the one locally are horrible, therefore I do no business with them. At allGo Cards!!!!!
Reply:Hey guys,Don't be so hastily opinionated that ALL Airgas LWS stores are like that. Mine, quite close by, is superb with service, takes any bottles I bring in for exchange, & gives me a decent discount. They even make my C2 in 40cf bottles as generally, only the 300+cf bottles get filled with that mix. I have sent them new customers & they acknowledge me that they appreciate my reference. They are quite large & have several trucks delivering each day. I like to keep most of my business local when I need supplies for anything. Simply find a good one that will be beneficial to you both.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:My LWS didn't seem sure what to make of me at first (just a hobbiest with a machine, eventually two) but they still helped me get the parts I needed. As time has gone on, I've become pretty good friends with the guy who runs the counter and now he takes great care of me. They fill my bottles I bought elsewhere, they took one on trade that I purchased new at tractor supply (before I knew not to do that) and let me upgrade from a 125 to a 250 (took mine on trade and I paid the difference...and gave me their full price on my trade in). Seems that the shops are "cautious" when a hobbiest comes in, but once they realize that you're still there to buy stuff and a decent guy, they will typically take good care of you as well. Likewise, I try to buy from them whenever possible. And when they can't touch a price, he tells me "you should order that one, I'm not even close...sorry". No hard feelings and I still buy everything I can from them (even stuff that's a little cheaper elsewhere).That guy still sounds like a prick and I'd shop elsewhere if you have any options in that town.KevinHobart Handler 210Tweco Fabricator 181iLincoln Squarewave Tig 175
Reply:With an attitude like that he doesn't want any business and he won't be in business very much longer if he treats  his customers that way all the time. Also another thing I'm surprised no one else has mentioned, is when you do get yourself some scrap pieces to practice on, is to use a grinder with a wire brush cup or wheel to clean off any rust, paint or whatever before you try to weld it. If it's covered with any kind of crap other than clean metal your results may be less than desired in your first welding attempts. Then you will be back here asking what's wrong with you/your machine etc. So clean it up before you try to strike an arc for best results. Good luck with your new found interest in metal working. Remember too you are only limited in what you can do by your imagination and skills, so learn as much as you can and develop both of them together. I figure I can build pretty much whatever I set out to do as long as I have a pretty good mental picture of what it's supposed to look like and do when finished. Visit the site often and keep us updated on what your up to.
Reply:tell em to piss off and go somewhere else i don't really think you were wrong most places i know have a drop pile and a scrap pile. drops are still usable pieces left from other projects and scrap is just that thrown into a big bin to go to the recyclers 350P 30A spool gun cut master 51  syncro 250 other stuff " take a dog off the street and make him prosper and he will not bite you sad the same cannot be said for man" i didnt use punctuation just to piss you off
Reply:Don't forget guys you are hearing only one side of the conversation. Now I'm not impuning(sp) the OP we all know if we were the fly on the wall we might have seen things differently. I don't know this LWS but if LWS means Local Welding Supply you have to ask why go to a consumables supplier for scrap metal? Some times it can be hard to remember how ignorant we all were about these things. Might this counter man forgot this as well? Just saying.
Reply:A few negative references to AirGas...I don't know how most of the company is, but my local has been great!  Even to the point of suggesting I try xxx.com for some consumables as you can get them a whole lot cheaper there...Great service always.  Wish they were open Saturdays thou
Reply:Even better than scrounging drops from fab shops, in my opinion, is to locate a metal scrap yard that sells dismantled steel by the pound.  I have been buying steel for projects that meets my needs for 50 cents a pound at a yard I found in my region (San Diego).  Looking through their stuff I have found aluminum and SS as well.A side note on Airgas.  I usually avoid them because they ask quite a bit more for refills, consumables, etc., than other LWS's.  Last week I had an out-the-door $1,680 price in hand  for some Miller repair parts to be special ordered from one of those other LWS's.  I stopped off at Airgas to get a price on those parts as I was on my way to order them.  I told the manager I was price-shopping right off and he replied with a $1,209 total price for the same parts.  Needless to add, I left my money at Airgas.ScottMiller XMT 350 CC/CV w/gas solenoid opt.Miller S-22A wirefeederBernard 400A "Q" gunMiller Spoolmatic 30A / WC-24C-K 200A torch/gas lensWeldcraft WC-18 watercooled torchHypertherm Powermax 30Victor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardDon't forget guys you are hearing only one side of the conversation. Now I'm not impuning(sp) the OP we all know if we were the fly on the wall we might have seen things differently. I don't know this LWS but if LWS means Local Welding Supply you have to ask why go to a consumables supplier for scrap metal? .
Reply:I had a LWS very close to my house make me feel that my hobby business was not worth his time.I traveled across the city to another LWS and they made me feel that my business was as important as anybody else’s. They answered all my newbie questions and provided many suggestions.I have spent close to $ 8,000.00 this year on equipment and consumables. I know many of you might spend that in a month or two, but this is 8 grand that the first guy does not have on his books and you never now how much the future may bring.I have been dealing with them for 4 years now and even though it is harder for me to travel to, their attitude and treatment make it worthwhile.Miller Diversion 180Lincoln Mig Pak 5000 HDHypertherm 45Uni-Spotter Stud WelderOxy Set-up with Harris TorchMiller 30FX Arc StationMiller Elite - Hockey Canada Helmet
Reply:u told him   u were a newbie    , so ud think  he'd  understand ur in the learning  phase  ,and maybe  tell  u  the correct   term  for scrap metal  is drops ..        but instead  he went on to be a jack-asss .                wtf    is wrong with people these days  , a   little common   courtesy       when ur running a buisness ,  goes a long way>Innovations are what i leave behind for History
Reply:As another newbie, I can understand your apprehension about appearing dumb.  Before buying my machine, I lurked here for a while to try to determine what I wanted.  That helped with my knowledge of the lingo.  Heck, I just learned what "drop" meant in this thread.  None of us likes looking "dumb".  One of the smartest men I know also asks the most questions.  He's not afraid to look dumb.  And as a result he learns a lot more.  I try to emulate him now rather that try to play it cool.  I don't always succeed.I have to say that I prefer to purchase locally if possible, but had been surfing the web far and near for the best price on a machine.  If nothing else, I was going to try to get a price match.  The best price I found was at Airgas online.  However, I'd heard a few bad things around here about service at Airgas.  I finally wandered in to my local Airgas and the guys were great.  Not only did they answer all my questions, but they beat their own online price by $75.  And they didn't try to sell me crap I didn't need.  Yeah, I'll still price shop to keep an eye on things, but you can bet I'll swing by that local Airgas more.Little guy or not, customers still spread by word of mouth.  I'll bet that if the OP had listed the company name, at least one other poster would have chimed in with a similar experience.  And I'll bet that at least two more potential customers would shy away from that place.
Reply:I see it was indeed the Airgas store that helped you. Good for you.Last edited by shovelon; 10-05-2011 at 12:46 PM.Reason: mistakeWeld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Did you even get prices from the LWS before you purchased all the expensive stuff from on-line?That said, i wont deal with jerks trying to sell me something, no matter how good of a deal.Last edited by Groo; 10-05-2011 at 01:21 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by GrooDid you even get prices from the LWS before you purchased all the expensive stuff from on-line?That said, i wont deal with jerks trying to sell me something, no matter how good of a deal.
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardIf you want local businesses to be there when you "need" them to be you got to support them when you don't NEED them. .
Reply:Bought my welder at an airgas and now they have been pretty good & give me a discount on anything I buy/ dealer cost And .Im not a business owner spending big bucks there or anything just a guy who comes in once every few months I second the idea of going to any kind of shop dealing with metal at both my jobs there was always a dumpster full of perfectly sheared off brand new " drops" ... The local metal yard gave me a similar hard time too but then again there are business buying ,10,000$ worth of metal at once and I'm just tying up their warehouse  buying a 6" long piece of aluminum..I made the mistake of calling it " scrap" as well the first time, but they just laughed at me..and didnt sell me any.Last edited by ak4130; 10-05-2011 at 09:05 PM.
Reply:Hey guys, OP here.I should probly clarify that the place I was talking about (Im not going to mention names) is like a half welding supply, half steel sales shop.  Steel sales is in their name, but it says on their sign "For all your welding needs". From what I could tell in the short time I was there, they mainly deal with the steel, but have a small stock of welding supply.  That is why I went there looking for "scrap".  So its not your typical LWS, like Airgas.  Sorry if there was some confusion there.Fwiw, I have since gone to another steel sales place that was recomended by one of you who live local.  This place has got to be 10 times the size of the shop I mentioned in the original post.  When I walked in, everyone was on the phone and looked to be really busy.  Looked like a big time operation that has some big time buyers.  Not the kind of place that you would think they would care about hobby guys.  But they were more than happy to help me out.  Told him I was looking for "scrap or drops".  I made sure to mention both on purpose just to see what he would say....lol.  He goes "youd be better off with drops, scrap is just junk, you want something decent, what you workin on anyways?"  I told him Id like to build my first table and cart like every other noob...LOL.  He tells me that might be tough with just drops, but to grab a hard hat and goggles and go in the back and ask for so and so, and have a look around so I can get an idea of what I need.  If you find something, great, bring it on up here and Ill give you a good deal, but youd probly be better off if you come up with a list of what you need.Awesome!Now, this guy was busy, but he still had time to help me out.  He didnt kiss my ***, or sugar coat anything, he just told it like it is.  The conversation took literally 7 seconds and was exactly what I needed to hear.  So I went in the back, looked around for a little bit, and decided to do exactly what he mentioned, go make a list.  The guy obviously knew what he was talking about and has dealt with noobs before.Funny how the first guy and this guy basically implied the same thing, but how different the message came across.Also, I noticed alot of you wrote that I probly should have "shopped local" and that I might have gotten a better reception if I did.  You know I never even thought about that.  I think that maybe cuz I was dong my research and learning on the computer, I just used it to get what I needed online while it was still fresh in my head.  Kinda stupid on my part. Anyways, heading back tomorrow or friday with list to pick up materials for table and cart.  First projects!!!  Im all excited like a little kid in a candy store...LOL.Ill post pics, but I can assure you that they will not be anything you have not seen before.  Gonna be about as basic as it gets, but Id still like your opinion on how the welds look.Thanks for all encouraging replies and to let me know to stick it out and not get discouraged by one MF.  Look forward to learning more!
Reply:Hang around this site, ask questions here and get all kinds of answers (Some Good, Some Bad, Some BS)Advice is often worth what you pay for it.  Some months back; someone suggested making an arrangement with a local scrap dealer where you add weld metal to what you get from them and return it heavier than when you took it away.  I am grateful for any and all donations of weldable steel, and I am not above taking small gifts to those who support me. Cold Sodas on Hot Days are generally well received.  Hang in there, it gets to be fun when you are no longer the newest kid on the block.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:good deal kllrbee, good to hear you got treated like a customer should..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:welding supply stores are getting killed by online sites. personally i wouldn't use a local store for consumables except as a last resort but when i do go to one i don't tell them i bought such and such online.   maybe YOU should consider that fact when you are doing business with someone whose livelihood is being impacted by internet sales.amazing all the sympathy you have garnered for being the victim of such horrific treatment.  maybe some counseling?then again it is the right of the business owner to refuse service to barrel picker's.