Metal Quality

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Is the quality of metal used in re-bar ok for odds and end fabrication? I'm just wondering if its considered poor or equivalent to standard flat or angle stock (?) Am wondering the same about "black pipe" -- the kind that Lowes sells. Thanks.
Reply:Both re-bar and black pipe have their place in the fab world. They make structural pipe for fab but I think the biggest difference is the finish and that its not pressure tested.  As for rebar here is kind of a blanket statement. Most common rebar is weldable under most conditions. There as many rumors about it as truths. There is a code stamped on it that descripes the various properties but I forget all the details. There is stuff that shouldnt be welded but I doubt you would find it at the local lumberyard.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:i've made art before with rebar but i don't think i trust it for anything with load on it. I remember seeing RockyD make a nice stair rail out of itStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:When using rebar for one of its actual purposes, concrete stregthening, welding it is frowned upon as the rebar will crack around the welds.Havent seen it myself, but someone from the concrete business with 25 years experience relayed that info to me.My guess is that this is more of a structural statement (read bridge building) than regular concrete slabs.Doc.Some of the things I do would cause a person to get hurt, expelled, arrested, or possibly deported. To put it another way, don't try this at home.Look at the stars whenever your can. That light travelled a long way to get here, dont let it go to waste on some patch of asphalt.
Reply:Rebar is produced as cheaply and as fast as possible. It usually meets minimal standards. I have seen many pictures where it was used as a short prop or a pin and failed. I would not use rebar where there is any kind of a requirement for strength. Decorative use may be fine but not for sturctural elements!