Steel sourcing?

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Any suggestions on where to by new steel for a hobbyist? Online or local to columbus ohio? I need square tubing and steel diamond plate. What are average prices?I have found a couple but would opinion ans experience input.Thanks!Eastwood Mig135
Reply:I've been buying from a local weld shop, who build huge storage tanks up to 3 million gallons.  I've heard they are the cheapest around, but haven't really price checked, as the only other local shops either don't want to bother selling a little of this or that (if they do, they jack the price up to the point you better be in dire need because it's going to cost), or the one other shop is run by a real prick and I won't let him make a dime off me.I just bought 3 lengths of Hot rolled flat, and it ran $1/lb, give or take a few cents plus tax, plus some square tubing they ordered for me. That is cut to whatever length I want.  10' of 1/2"X4", 12' of 1/2"X3" and 16' of 3/8"x3", and I bought the whole stick of tubing. That seems high to me, but I'm not going to make the minimum for the Steel Suppliers to make a stop, as much as I'd like to.  Metal Depot (online) is roughly the same material price, but add $160.00 for shipping.I would look at any Tool and Die Shops, General Machine Shops, or any small fabrication shop. Post what you find, it may help others in the same situation.
Reply:Thanks for the input!
Reply:Here's a novel concept.   http://www.whitepages.com/business?k...Columbus%2C+OHBubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Scrap yard, 20 cents a pound for everything all day long.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by BurpeeHere's a novel concept.   http://www.whitepages.com/business?k...Columbus%2C+OH
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4Scrap yard, 20 cents a pound for everything all day long.
Reply:Originally Posted by mkattsPeople like you are how hostel forums start.
Reply:^good one... levity.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Originally Posted by mkattsHere's a novel concept. Comprehend the post before adding your stupid input.I was asking for experience with providers. I am well aware how to do searches.Anybody can. But searches do nothing to tell me about personal experience with a particular company does it?Stop thinking your all that smart because you know the url to google.People like you are how hostel forums start.I'm new to welding and buying steel and looking for help from a group of people that I have grown to value THIER opinions. Not a dumb *** random search engine.
Reply:I priced steel diamond plate yesterday at a local place to me. I'm trying to remember the prices I was given for different thicknesses off the top of my head ( I was looking thru their pricing book in their shop while deciding what I needed to buy.)I want to say 1/8" was roughly $5 per sf, 3/16" $7 per sf and 1/4" about $10 per sf, but I might be mixing it up with the alum sheet prices that were about $1-2 more per sf. I'm also rounding up to the nearest dollar since that's the way I was doing the math for what things would cost me in my head.My place sells sheet goods like this in 4' widths, so you'd have to buy 1' x 4' minimum. I've located places simply looking online for "steel supplier" in the past and pulled up a few places I wasn't aware of in my area. The place I went today is an old mom and pop hardware store vs one of the bigger steel places I use other times. Mostly because it was in the area I needed to go for a job yesterday and they were open on weekends as well as the fact they don't mind the small guy who needs to browse and look at the material to determine what he needs for a project. I'd also prefer to support a small mom and pop operation since so many places like this have gone under due to big box stores..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:Originally Posted by BurpeeIn short; you've already talked with all of the steel suppliers in your immediate area to review stock and pricing so you galloped off to an internet group to look for advice on where to purchase in the Buckeye State.Your quote: "Online or local to columbus ohio?" BTW. Was hostile what you were attempting to reiterate ?I'm very familiar with "no child left behind".I have to hit the sack. My meathead detector is beeping.
Reply:Thanks DSW.That's a lot cheaper than I had found on the web. Couple sites were $20 or so per Sq ft for 1/8 diamond plate.I think I have a tractor supply company down in the bad part of town that I am going to go check out. I'll have to sneak some time at lunch tomorrow to call some fab shops.
Reply:Real steel costs .50 to. 85 cents per pound. High Strength A-325 bolts $ 3.50 each Weld.material $4.00 lb Want to weigh plate  3.4032 x  number of pieces x thickness in inches x width in inches x length in feet = pounds , simple no charts ,books needed. Now you can be a bridge estimator too.
Reply:Originally Posted by mkattsHere's a novel concept. Comprehend the post before adding your stupid input.I was asking for experience with providers. I am well aware how to do searches.Anybody can. But searches do nothing to tell me about personal experience with a particular company does it?Stop thinking your all that smart because you know the url to google.People like you are how hostel forums start.I'm new to welding and buying steel and looking for help from a group of people that I have grown to value THIER opinions. Not a dumb *** random search engine.
Reply:Originally Posted by Sputter FizzleForum members have provided a number of answers for you. Schitting on an answer provider you don't like is very counter productive, especially with the vague question you asked. How much steel you want to buy, how many full sticks per size, bundles, etc have a huge effect on the prices you pay. Do you expect to walk into you supplier and pick up your steel nicely cut to size and wrapped up in clean brown paper tied with string? Pull your pants down and go through the door backwards.