Cheap source of 18ga or 20ga 3x5 mild steel coupons?

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The normal places I would look offer 1'x2' minimum sheets of mild steel,which means I'd have to cut them myself into small coupons to practice on.I imagine snips would work on metal this thin, but the snips would bendup the edges making butt welding practice difficult, right?  Cutting it witha grinder would leave the sheet flat, but the edges would be ragged.So is there any place that sells little sheet steel coupons for practice?
Reply:Is there a sheet metal fabrication factory or outfit near you?Thats where I would be looking first!We have one here that will let me grab a few pieces out of their dumpster from time to time at no charge, just make sure you talk to the head guy of the place to get permission!Some might want to sell it to you by the pound, cause that is what they would be doing with it once it was sent to a scrap yard.Next would be a scrap yard, you can usually find some good pieces at good prices, as long as they will allow you to go out and scrounge their lot, I buy a lot of stuff I need for small projects this way.Good luck!Ken.#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:When you're talking to someone, scrapyard or weld shop, tell them you'll bring it back when you're done. Since they sell it off as scrap, by the pound, you've added value by adding the weight of your rod.As far as the edge turning up when cut, you can straighten that with a hammer and piece of wood in just a few seconds. It doesn't have to be too straight, it's just practice. In class we use 1 1/2 x 6 coupons.Cutting with a grinder leaving rough edges doesn't matter, you're going to melt it into a nice, pretty, smooth bead; right?What process are you practicing with? 18 or 20 ga could be done with TIG, MIG or O/A. Heck, there's been some guys practicing with stick on tin cans.Last edited by Craig in Denver; 01-21-2009 at 09:27 PM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Oops, double post. Last edited by Craig in Denver; 01-21-2009 at 09:26 PM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250