Thread: Metal framework for welding?

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Where exactly can you find metal at retail home improvment stores(Home Depot, Lowes) for framework? What exactly is it called because I've tried seaching on their webpages and nothing. I've had some given to me in the past or found some laying around but can't find it in store. Want to branch out. Bought a Lincoln welder and want to use it really bad

I have found Home Depot to be way too expensive for metal (like 4 times the cost). I would suggest going to a local sheet metal shop or even straight to a metal scrap yard.

By the way rebar makes a nice cheap framing system. You could weld up something cool with it. I've also just received a welder and I'm anxious to weld up some mannequin frames out of rebar.

See if you can find an industrial supply company. I found one close to me and the metal is a WHOLE lot cheaper . I bought some angle 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"x 3/16", 20 feet long for for about $25.00. The best part is that they will deliver to my house if I order more than $100.00 for free!! The bad part is they can't cut to size. They don't have a shear to cut sheet matal , but can cut the angle and square tubing if needed. I just had them send full lengths and I cut them down .

We have tons of free cable reel spools.After we burn them we sift through the fire pit and keep all the metal rods that hold them together and are left over.They work awsome for body frames.Try looking for some free ones...any size is good.

Actually by framework I was meaning armature square metal so I could create pivot points for linkage. Just want to stabalize and finalize some of my props in a more fortified way. I'll check out some of your suggestions on the scarp yard and metal industry places.

If you need one or two pieces at Home Depot it can be found in the hardware (bolts, nails, screws) aisle. It's just a small 4' wide section of the aisle. It is hard to find.

I have gleaned a lot of metal, rebar and angle from construction sites and commercial areas where they have bins of scrap and waste. Ask someone on site first and usually they say "help yourself" Stay away from new stuff, stealing is a no no (of course). I also got as many skids as i could carry from industrial areas as well.....a great source.

A few of the Sears Hardware stores have a decent selection in our area. Little high priced, but good in a pinch.

I live in a college town so maybe it is easier here, but I snag every set of old metal bed frames I run across. It is high carbon or hardened steel, but a chop saw cuts it well and it welds just fine. Just grind off the powder coating where welds will be.

Well the Home Depot selection was very poor. Terra was right about it only being 4 feet across. I've seen it before but never inquired about it to an employee. So I was sort of surprised on that being all they carried.

The good thing is he pointed one out in the area which is very close to me. Luckly his bro is a welder and he knew about this place.

Now I have an even better reason to purchase a bench grinder and chop saw.