Steel Pipe Sources

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I know this may be region specific as to sources but I'd like some ideas on where to find steel pipe.  I'm giving serious thought to starting a shop to build custom BBQ pits.  I've got the shop space and the tools.  I know that you can buy "new" steel pipe in common diameters but that is expensive....  So where should I be hunting for used steel pipe?  What kinds of operations would have pipe, i.e. pipe line companies, etc.  I'd appreciate any suggestions anyone might have as to possible sources and places to look at.thanks....Don
Reply:welding shops?.......   county dump?
Reply:I build quite a few cookers each year, and I will give you two ideas to think on.  First off I have found that you can have sheet metal or plate sheared and broke to your specifications alot of times cheeper than going the pipe route.   Another option (Which is dirt cheap) is to check with the local propane supplier.  Around here most larger propane companies will let you get their scrap tanks for little or no charge as long as you sign a contract that it will never be used to hold any type of fuel.  I have seen few cookers that cook as well as a 125 gallon or 200 gallon propane tank if built right.      I will throw this in, If you are building for a hobby and pocket money thats one thing, but I have seen these kind of shops come and go quite often.  What happens to most is they will saturate the area and then go under trying to find buyers.  I have a friend who builds custom cookers for a store that specializes in that sort of thing, and he usually only builds about 10-12 large ones a year.  According to him there is alot bigger market for the smaller units.   basically just trying to say don't limit yourself to just one product.   Just a few things to consider.  ~JacksonI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Good points.  I'm actually looking at the smaller sized cookers.  It makes sense to me that these will be more often used by the average backyard bbqer.As far as propane tanks.....I have visted every propane dealer around here looking for exactly the size tanks you mentioned.  And the response was that due to the high price of steel that they are refurbishing every tank that they can!  Not a one of them had a tank of the size we're discussing.Now if you've got a local source for the size tanks we're talking about....we might want to talk business.  It might be cheaper to buy the tanks in your area and have them trucked to my area.  Guess it would depend on freight costs, etc.  Just an idea.
Reply:I have a few contacts, with the gas companies, let me do a little asking around.  Also another idea is to check with welding shops and companies that do alot of pipe work and see who buys there scrap.   then you can usualy buy from the scrap yard.  I know of two scrap yards I found like that, and you would really be suprised what you will run across as scrap.  ~JacksonI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Another option would be to watch e-bay for a used plate roller. I got a real old one with 6" rolls fro real cheap, it's manual, but for a few hundred more I've got all the stuff to make it hydraulic. With a roller you can make your own size rounds small to large. Just be sure to get one to handle the thickness of material you plan on using. Sheet/plate is cheaper than pipe.Brett B & B Fabrication and Welding Inc.Spalding, MI.