Are you in a position where you have to acquire quite a bit of metal? You’re having a hard time finding that special metal or metal you may be using right now.
In this area, I’ve scoured the local scrap metal yards and elsewhere to uncover a few great ways you can source out metals for welding.
It doesn’t matter where you’re located, I’ll help you get your metals together so you can get started on your project.
Where Can You Buy Metal for Welding?
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The greatest sites to acquire metal for welding work include blacksmith shops and metal fabrication shops.
Not only do these places offer access to high-quality, affordable materials, but they often have amazing designs and styles available.
This ranking is based on metal quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction.
While welding shops are a good starting point to find metal, they also have a limited inventory and sometimes do not offer their customers the best quality.
For this reason, some of the strongest metal for large fabrication projects can be found in large fabrication shops.
These shops are dedicated to fabricating metal pieces, whether they involve metal art or not.
These shops are able to offer their customers some of the best welding services in the industry, and often include some of the strongest metal for welding available.
Amazon
You may even get free shipping.
The purchasing process is easy, with Amazon taking good care of you.
Granted, you won’t be purchasing steel in bulk from them, but if you’re a hobbyist or a newcomer, 1-2 pounds of each of a few different metals will probably last you for a while.
Also, you will be able to identify a few good prices on Amazon, but it’s always important to compare prices with other sources as well. The prices on Super Metals are competitive.
You can get thinner metal at a reasonable price, but you will need to check the level of thickness before ordering as sizes aren’t always advertised on the site.
Industrial Areas
If you can locate a manufacturing site , you will likely find a lot of metal there. It’s always best to call ahead to request access.
They will sometimes leave damaged scrap metal outside their building, and if you have metal work tools, such as a welder, you can pick it up for free.
Often, they will be delighted to have you carry it away , and they will even give you more money if you pick it up at once.
Home Depot
Metal is available at most Home Depots, and is generally carried primarily in straight lengths. The alloy used in metal is not specified, so Home Depot most likely offers steel.
Round rods, tubing, angle iron, flat bar, channels and angles are just a few of the metals you can purchase at Home Depot. They ship to most states, although a surcharge may apply for oversized and overweight items.
Although it has a limited variety, this hardware store chain offers competitive pricing for almost everything, including metal for welding.
Home Depot accepts many different forms of payment, including cash, checks, credit or debit cards.
Metals Depot
Metals Depot is a leading provider of welding supplies, including MIG welding supplies, TIG welding supplies, plasma supplies, and consumable materials.
Hot rolled steel, stainless steel, tool steel, and chrome moly steel are all available through Metals Depot.
You can pick from standard structural steel, plate steel, 1018 cold roll steel, T-1 mild steel, and more.
And you’ll also find a large variety of cutting, drilling, and forming tools, including power miter saws, table saws, metal band saws, and more.
They will send the steel straight to wherever you need it for no shipping fees.
Farms and Ranches
If you live in a rural area, you’ll likely be able to scout out free metals from farmers’ fields.
You should first verify with local law if you can legally take anything you find.
You may also look through any dumpsters that you might find at a construction site.
Metal Supermarkets
Metal Supermarkets has nine sites around North and South Carolina.
For your convenience, they also offer same day delivery.
Metal Supermarkets offers a vast selection of metal products.
They are the world’s biggest small-quantity metal supplier.
Metal Supermarkets place a high value on customer service, and they want to make sure that their customers are happy and comfortable.
They want you to get started on your tasks as quickly as possible, so they expedite the delivery of your purchase.
Construction and Renovation Sites
This is where you need to exercise caution.
Make sure you’re not simply going to walk in and walk out with the material you came in for.
Speak with the person in charge to see if there are any special rules regarding taking scrap metal from the site.
Typically, they will have contracts that end at a set date and all items need to be picked up when the project is complete.
Weld Metals
This is an online metal supply store with a full range of metal parts and accessories.
They offer metals that are ready to be used for welding or as scrap metal.
Weld Metals is a great location to buy welding equipment from.
Customers who are new to welding as well will benefit from our store and be able to craft their own metal projects.
Craigslist or Offerup
These two websites will greatly increase your chances of scoring a lot of scrap metal.
The only requirement is that you post at least once a week.
One person’s garbage can be turned into someone else’s treasure.
Make sure you inform individuals what items you’re taking, so they won’t think you’re using it for something illegal. If you’re doing this for a hobby, don’t try to go too deep into it.
Appliances, vehicle parts, metal pet cages, and more are just some of the things you can get from OfferUp. What’s even better is that you’ll get paid for hauling them.
You may always let folks know that you can take their trash away for free with only a stipend of $5 or $10 and drive around with it for a couple days to pick it up.
Craigslist and Offerup to Buy Metal for Welding are your best bets.
Another advantage is that you may work with other people who buy scrap metal, thereby, allowing you to negotiate a price that suits your budget.
Local Businesses
The best local firms to start talking to are your local small engine or vehicle repair shops.
When it comes to scrap iron, The Home Depot has you covered.
