Finding metal in my area

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I'm having the hardest time finding metal to practice welding on for a reasonable price in my new city.  Obviously Lowes and Home Depot and even a smaller hardware store sell some lengths of steel, but it definitely hurts the wallet.  Everywhere I've called that seemed promising was more of a fabricator and didn't sell metal to just individuals.  The guy at the LWS wasn't much help either. Anyway, if anybody knows a good place to get random pieces of metal for practicing that won't break the bank within, say 20 miles of 22980, I would really appreciate the help.Thanks!
Reply:Hey zer0,Get out the Yellow Pages & make a list of all the machine/fabrication shops in your area. Also, check for scrap yards. Most of the machine shops have several 55gal drums of cutoffs/scraps. Remember, with the scrap market getting quite lucrative recently, some may not want to "give" it away. Don't hesitate to offer a few $$$. If they refuse, simply thank them anyway..... that sometimes may "soften" their refusal. A couple years ago, I asked a youngster also looking for scraps, if he had a girlfriend..... he said: "Yes, why you askin'?"  I just suggested to have his girlfriend dress in loosly fitted jeans, plaid(farmer garb) cotton shirt, worn leather boots, no makeup, hair kinda disheveled, no jewelery, & go to each local machine shop & ask to see the foreman. Then, quite innocently, explain that she is taking a welding class & is looking for some scrap to practice on. Make sure she has an understanding of, at least, the stick or MIG process so she can relate what she is learning. He did that..... he said she came back with a trunkfull & could get more if she brings a truck.So, as you can see...... there are ways.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:I would start with calling http://www.augustasteel.com/products.htm these guys, maybe they know of a near by supplier or if they would be willing to part with some 'drops'.  A drop is a piece of metal that was the remainder of a larger piece that was cut.Grab your phone book and look at the yellow pages.I use google maps to find my distributors.  It's pretty simple really, go to google maps, find your general area, search steel and also try steel distributor.  That should give you a decent list of places to work with.  The people in the area are getting their materials from somewhere, you should try finding out where.You may be SOL concerning your ideal driving distance, that's life, move outa the sticks.Don't use those big box hardware stores, they have the worst pricing I've ever seen.  I think you could get stuff shipping to you for less than they charge.Miller 330 a/bp water cooledI believe in gun control, I hold my gun with two hands.  If you want to know why, click here.Buy American or bye America.
Reply:Well if looking for some free steel to practice n try looking around on trash days when folks throw out stuff. Metal Bed Frames are a great source of free steel which is good for many projects such as welding carts, and shelf's for stocking items. Metal storage cabinets or lockers are a good source of sheet steel. Many times stores like Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, grocery stores, etc dispose of steel display items. Sometimes service shops. But be sure to ask before just driving up and off with the steel as many places recycle to recover some of their costs.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.