What is the best way to buy metal?

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I am new to welding and i need to get some square tubing.  Can i just go to the steel yard and order it or do they only sell to comercial accounts?  Also what length do 2"x4" 1/8" tube usally come in.  thanks
Reply:I just call the steel yard and place my order.  The next day they deliver.  This company will accept anyone who is willing to pay for the steel, not just commercial accounts.  Most of the steel they sell comes in 20' lengths.  However, they will certainly cut it to your specified lenght.  Purchasing shorter than a full 20' piece will cost you more per foot.Last edited by molongneck; 04-08-2008 at 04:40 PM.MolongneckLincoln 175HD MigWard's Powr-Kraft 230 ARCHypertherm Powermax 45Harris O/A TorchMakita 2414NB Chop SawMakita 9557PB 4 1/2" Angle GrinderClarke BT 1002 6" Brench GrinderRyobi DP 120 12" Drill Press
Reply:Thanks that is what i wanted to know.
Reply:I have steel delivered, but I also go and pick up at one place.  A lot of times steel distributors will require a minimum order to deliver.  Most steel distributors i have dealt with will sell to anyone.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I get my steel from 2 places. My tubing I get new from the supplier in 20ft lengths, but they only do free delivery for orders over a certain dollar amount, but since I am rural, they still want to charge me. Diesel is pretty pricey rightnow, so they arent as kind on the delivery anymore.I also get steel remnants from the local scrap yard. They usually have nice peices of odd sized remants at $.25 a pound. Used to be 15 cents a pound, but inflation coupled with rising steel prices have taken thier toll as well.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Originally Posted by QuciferI also get steel remnants from the local scrap yard. They usually have nice peices of odd sized remants at $.25 a pound. Used to be 15 cents a pound, but inflation coupled with rising steel prices have taken thier toll as well.
Reply:VISAMe!
Reply:Originally Posted by Jim StabeYou're lucky. Scrap is running $.45 per lb around San Diego now. It was $.30 about a year ago.Jim
Reply:Your lucky.  The one steel yard I deal with is basicly a junk yard.  Most eveything is exposed to the rain.  They do not give any discounts for even the rusted bent up stuff, but they will cut the lengths for free and have better prices than most.  Only problem is an old couple own the place and they have very poor customer skills and don't seem to care if they sell you bent stuff or porr quality.   If I ask them for something with not too much rust it is like some big deal.   Kind of sad because I do not buy much from them anymore because if this.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!