Abtaining steel from fabrication shops?

[T.Saslow]

I recently heard from a relative that Welding and fabrication shops sometimes have "drops" . Boxes full of cut offs of steel they have no use for. I am wondering if any of you have had any luck with this.

 

[Overmountain]

I get a lot of drops from a machining and professional fabrication place with a family connection. They do specialized machining and critical welding. It depends on the shop, but the stuff I get is virgin metal and of known chemistry. If they can say the same, go for it. I get great quality stuff from them though no blade steel yet. Has been a source of aluminum/titanium/300 series stainless and lots of mild steel... Lots and lots actually... lol.

 

[T.Saslow]

Ok! that is great for me because i have a low materials budget

 

[nzedge]

You really want to find a tool making shop. i.e. industrial dies and press tools.
They are the ones who the exotic steels are made for, they are the ones who use it everyday. A general fabrication shop dosent use exotic blade steels.
Heres a pic of my mates steel chart (hes a toolmaker)...he uses this stuff all the time, all day every day. These are the kind of workshops you need to find

 

[T.Saslow]

Ok, that is a big help, thank you!

 

[Brian.Evans]

My cutler's steady rest steel came from a local machine shop, which cost me $30 for a 2x4x5" piece. The base is 8x8"x1" mild plate that cost $20 from another shop. I've gotten quite a bit of aluminum from another shop. The local steel supplier is also a custom welding shop and I've gotten about 4 or 5 loads of cut offs from them.

This one haul from the steel shop.

Local hospital was remodeling, throwing a BUNCH of lights away. I salvaged them, and traded a dozen 4 ft fixtures for this piece of steel from a local guy.

I've got abut $25 in steel in this table. All from scrounging and right place, right time stuff.

Go in, be nice, be honest, be direct in what you need. Bring donuts. Get steel.

 

[Overmountain]

I like that table Medic... Sweet setup with a nice little hole for your arc and I like the vise arm. Looks good as is, but with a 1/2" top on it would be awesome...

 

[Brian.Evans]

I like that table Medic... Sweet setup with a nice little hole for your arc and I like the vise arm. Looks good as is, but with a 1/2" top on it would be awesome...

I'd love to have a 1/2-3/4" Blanchard ground top! However, as little as I actually weld, the steel was basically free so I'm not complaining. Lol. It would be sweet though.

 

[T.Saslow]

WoW, that is really cool- I dont Weld and would love to learn, but it looks like it would serve anyone well. Thank you for the insight also!