Sheet Metal Pricing?

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Sorry for such a NewB question but can someone give me a rough idea of what I can expect to pay for metal. I realize it will be different state to state, and depending on quanity, I just want to know an idea. For example, 1/8 angle iron for 4' lengths1/8 in metal plate 2'X3'and sheet metal, say the thickness used on newer vehicles. I want to buy some materials to continue learning, so want to come up with a project to build, depending on cost of materials. Thanks.
Reply:Denny, for practice and small projects, look through the scrap bins and remnant racks of your local suppliers. You will be paying $1.50- $4.00 per pound. As for lengths of stuff and pricing, the sky is the limit. Remember, it will depend on thickness of material, as well as size, and it will also depend on whether or not you have to cut a full piece to get the material you want; ie. You want 6ft. off a 20ft. pipe, etc.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Thanks, I have been buying by the piece at Lowes, and have a feeling I am paying more than I should be. Will check some suppliers and see if they have a scrap pile.
Reply:Where abouts in Pennsy are you located? Lowes/Depot are the last places usually for metal. If you buy 1 or 2 small pieces you probably could have bought a whole stick from a supplier. I deal with a couple of places near (and not so near) to me that will sell metal by the foot at reasonable prices, and have a couple of larger suppliers who I deal with for full lengths. As suggested I also keep my eyes open for places that may have shorts that are willing to sell.For pipe I've found well drilling companies often have shorts of well casing they'll let go cheap. Usually they just hold the pieces till they've got enough to scrap it all at once.Newer retail stores under construction are often good places to look for light angle. Often they get some delivered for bracing on I bar trusses and often have more than they need after it's up. A few questions and you may be able to get the leftovers / shorts cheap..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:Metal from the big box store is about 3 times more expensive then the metal suppliers.
Reply:yes, big box store is very expensive, however, they are open til 10pm.  I know of no store to get stock at 10 o'clock at night... I haven't had to, keeping my fingers crossed.
Reply:When I began my feeble attempts at welding, I stopped by the only welding shop in town and explained that I was just learning to weld and needed scrap to practice on. They let me have all the scrap from their drop barrel that I could carry, free.  Just another ideaNctox,  Stickmate LX  235AC/160DC  HH210
Reply:Thanks, I bought a 28" X 30" piece of 1/8 steel from a sheet metal company and it was only $30.00. seemed quite reasonable compared to what I was paying for small flats at Lowes. Good thing my Silverado is quite new or I would have welded something to that by now. I am loving this new hobby. I am from NW PA, East of Erie, and just South of Jamestown, NY
Reply:I was just quoted a price of $63 for a 4'x8' piece of 14 gauge sheet metal from my local steel distributer.I can not and will not buy metal from any big box store.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:home depot sells 2x2x1/8 6ft for $25.00i get 20 ft for $26.22 delivery
Reply:I bought some square tubing a few months ago to make a cart, and the metal was much cheaper than I thought, but they charged me $2 or $2.50 per cut.  I had to have 6' lengths so that jacked up the price about $10.Not a huge deal but if they charge a lot for cuts and you need 20 pieces, it will raise your overall price by quite a bit.
Reply:Originally Posted by Denny KyserThanks, I bought a 28" X 30" piece of 1/8 steel from a sheet metal company and it was only $30.00. seemed quite reasonable compared to what I was paying for small flats at Lowes.
Reply:Originally Posted by Denny KyserThanks, I bought a 28" X 30" piece of 1/8 steel from a sheet metal company and it was only $30.00. seemed quite reasonable compared to what I was paying for small flats at Lowes. Good thing my Silverado is quite new or I would have welded something to that by now. I am loving this new hobby. I am from NW PA, East of Erie, and just South of Jamestown, NY
Reply:Thanks guys, glad I asked this question.
Reply:Originally Posted by sjamestry State line supply.  I have not bought much steel there,  but they seemed like pretty nice folks when I did,  and it should be pretty close to you.  its real close to 86.If you are closer to Warren,  then Segal and Son is the place to go.
Reply:The prices i heard last are $0.40/lb for Angle, channel, beam ect. $0.70 For Tube and pipe. we don't use alot of plate so im not sure on thatdelivered ~50K east of Kingston ont.Last edited by Crash5291; 09-05-2010 at 12:59 AM.