Find A Metal Supplier?

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How does someone go about finding a good metal supplier? For someone just starting out obviously, building random stuff like book shelves or furniture. Mainly looking at small batches of tubing and solid rods.I have been searching google maps in my area all day and it just brings up other fabricators. I just want a metal supplier who isnt jacking up the price big time and isnt my competition. Is the internet a viable option? I would think shipping would be the killer with ordering on the internet.Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. I have no clue where to start besides just buying from other welders which makes no sense to me.Thank You
Reply:Try doing a internet search for steel service center or steel warehouse followed by a city name or zip code. The online metal companys only want to ship shorter peices and charge for cutting. Shop around because the prices will vary. I bought 1 1/4 x 1/8 angle at $1.11 a ft. 3/8 rod at $ .90 a ft. I thought that was pretty cheap after looking on line.
Reply:What part of the Cape are you?...I know some places charge more if they have to go over the bridge...if they have to go to the islands forget it..you might as well mine your own ore..I usually use Mid-City over in Westport...Miller Syncrowave 180Miller 211 w/ spool-gunLincoln Ac/Dc buzzboxCutmaster 38 plasmaVictor,Smith's,and Craftsman (Harris) O/A torches.DeWalt Multi cutterFiber Metal helmets(old school)Enough Snap-On to be a dealer
Reply:I am in East Falmouth. Usually that is the case once you cross the bridge everything is tripled in price. I have found some places near New Bedford. I dont mind coming off cape I am just having trouble finding the places. I have tried searching for "metal suppliers/supply" and thats what got me the 2 places near New Bedford. It didnt bring up anything in or near Boston though so I must be doing something wrong. One of the places was Mid-City do you recommend them ChrisA7164?Also would like to know if internet is a viable option. but ironwerker gave it a thumbs down. I guess I will try some of these new search ideas.
Reply:I'm in MA myself, resorted to finding machine shops and stopping in and asking them if they had scrap, or extra inventory they were willing to part with.http://www.centralsteelsupply.com/ seemed to have decent prices. I checked with a machine shop, and the prices were just about what he was paying, and he buys in quantityESAB Heliarc 252
Reply:I've always had good luck with Mid-City...even in small quantities.Miller Syncrowave 180Miller 211 w/ spool-gunLincoln Ac/Dc buzzboxCutmaster 38 plasmaVictor,Smith's,and Craftsman (Harris) O/A torches.DeWalt Multi cutterFiber Metal helmets(old school)Enough Snap-On to be a dealer
Reply:mid city, or General supply in fall river.A1A steel is in HyannisFor small amounts of any type of metal 4' or 6' max metalsdepot.com are okG
Reply:Wow thanks a bunch guys great response. Glad to see I wasent crazy, there sure does seem to be a shortage of suppliers in my area  Thanks again!