I ran across a place that sells metal and other tools.

[Brian Ski]

The price of metal is way up... And shipping is getting pretty high. Combine the 2 and this is and expensive business or hobby. I nice forum or sticky over suppliers would be good. I just seen though a few posts about online metals. I saved the link so I can do some comparing later.

Most of the suppliers in my area are heavy industrial. They don't even let the little guy in.

[redbeard]

The price of metal is way up... And shipping is getting pretty high. Combine the 2 and this is and expensive business or hobby. I nice forum or sticky over suppliers would be good. I just seen though a few posts about online metals. I saved the link so I can do some comparing later.

Most of the suppliers in my area are heavy industrial. They don't even let the little guy in.

I always just assumed that shipping would be out of the question for anything less than a full business-sized transaction, it's not like they can just UPS a couple sticks of 1-1/2 tubing.

[DaveO]

it's not like they can just UPS a couple sticks of 1-1/2 tubing.

Probably not a 20 foot length, you're right. But a shorter stick, maybe- once I ordered a muffler online and a couple days later it arrived at the house: a muffler with a shipping label. No box or packaging of any type. No dents, bends, or gouges either, luckily.

[redbeard]

Probably not a 20 foot length, you're right. But a shorter stick, maybe- once I ordered a muffler online and a couple days later it arrived at the house: a muffler with a shipping label. No box or packaging of any type. No dents, bends, or gouges either, luckily.

Just checked and the max length is 108", more than I expected, but still a foot short.

That muffler must have been an amusing sight, but it sure would take the fun out of guessing for the UPS people.

[everlastsupport]

I always just assumed that shipping would be out of the question for anything less than a full business-sized transaction, it's not like they can just UPS a couple sticks of 1-1/2 tubing.

Same here! And let alone get it for free with prime, that is sort of cool The selection was a little limited too. Like 3/4"#9 expanded I think was 4'x4' max. I need 5x10 all the time.

[Rodsmachineshop]

I am sorta lucky we have two metal suppliers local and there always competing for best price , nice to if you buy more than 500 dollars you get free delivery plus my shop is located rite next to a scrap metal yard so get good deals on used metal

[everlastsupport]

I am lucky like Rod.

I have a good friend that owns an Iron Works shop, A1 steel is 2 miles away (open Saturday until noon is a plus) and a scrap yard less than a mile away and Eric the owner is cool if I want to drop by and look through things (and weld something for him ).

[Rodsmachineshop]

I am always hunting for good aluminum at the scrap yard since is so expensive to buy new

[everlastsupport]

I get lucky on aluminum. My youngest son is 16 and does scrap metal hunting (as well as welding). He finds it all the time and I nab it from him. He finds 1/16-1/4" all the time. This week was 1/8" 3'x5' box and lid.