Scrapyards...

[feroxjb06]

So... I'm looking through all the projects threads and everyone keeps referring to scrapyards to get different pieces of metal to work with...

Where are you guys hiding these 'scrapyards'?? I've tried looking up something of the such here in San Antonio, and I can't find jack squat!

Mebbe I'm looking under the yellow pages for the wrong thing..........

[Boostinjdm]

Try metal recycling, or salvage, or metal processing.

[Jim Stabe]

There used to be more places here in San Diego but several have closed. The place I go to has both new metal and what would be called surplus. They get in runs of tubing that may have flaws in some of the pieces causing the whole lot to be rejected. I just got some 1" sq tubing there today and I had to pick through to find some good sticks. They also have remnants or leftovers from fabrication jobs (I assume anyway) that can be had for $.50 per lb. I got about 10' of 4 x 8 x 1/4 tubing recently to make my english wheel, it was in 3 sections. I believe the place is listed under "metals" in the yellow pages.

Jim

[JayT]

Try Ashley Salvage. I get a some of my steel there. They have a pretty nice selection of scrap. They normally have a decent amount of mill rejects. It was 30 cents a pound last time I was there. They also have a selection of new stuff. They even have stuff pre-cut in lengths down to 6 feet. Pretty nice when you only need a short stick.

Ashley Salvage Co.
4918 Roosevelt Ave, San Antonio, TX‎ - (210) 922-7631‎
It is off of south 410.

River City Salvage is right there at the corner of 410 and Roosevelt.

Lastly, if I remember right, there are a couple places on Frio Rd.

[feroxjb06]

Sweet! I'm gonna check it out today! I'll follow up and let you know how it goes.

[arvidj]

The title of the reply says it all ...

I am aware of Discount Steel and several other places that have drops, but is that the only flavor of steel supplier in the area?

[JayT]

A good supplier for decorative steel for fences, stair rails, burglar bars, etc... is SSS Steel. They do not sell drops though. They will cut the material into smaller pieces for you to haul off but you have to buy the full stick.

http://www.sss-steel.com/

[arvidj]

I probably should have started another thread for Minneapolis Minnesota. It was not my intent to hijack this "suppliers in Texas" thread.

Sorry

[wtrueman]

Originally Posted by Jim Stabe

There used to be more places here in San Diego but several have closed. The place I go to has both new metal and what would be called surplus. They get in runs of tubing that may have flaws in some of the pieces causing the whole lot to be rejected. I just got some 1" sq tubing there today and I had to pick through to find some good sticks. They also have remnants or leftovers from fabrication jobs (I assume anyway) that can be had for $.50 per lb. I got about 10' of 4 x 8 x 1/4 tubing recently to make my english wheel, it was in 3 sections. I believe the place is listed under "metals" in the yellow pages.

Jim

Probably OT but are you using any set plans? or your own? I want to build but most seem out rageous. BTW, what are you using for bearings; your own or bought, Wayne.

[Nitesky]

Up here in "Hicksville" one of the auto wreckers gets lots of flatbar, angle, etc. and they sell it for the price of scrap.

[hillco]

I scrounge steel. Buying it in the scrap yards costs way too much for the pieces I want (50 cents pound adds up quick with scrap!!). My local charity thrift store always has some "stuff" that was dropped off, but not suitable for re-sale (exercise equipment, bicycles, broken bed frames, etc.). At Yard sales in rural areas (forget subdivisions) I always ask if they have any scrap or junk metal "behind the barn" they often do, and are happy to have me haul it off. Look behind businesses, and you'll often see old equipment, racks, etc. Go on Craigslist saying you want scrap steel for practicing welding. Just look, its all over the place, and I'm only 25 miles north of you, so I know its around. If your area has aTrash Pick UP day, get out early and "Cruise the Curbs".