Anyone have some suggestions on getting steel for welding practice? I don't want to pay full price for good usable stock yet; I just want something I can make beads on for now and learn how to control the torch and filler before I start actually making things.
I've tried calling steel supply places looking for scrap and drops; some only sell to scrap dealers, and one said I could poke through their scraps--but the only stuff they had that was small enough and suitable for my use was in the "samples" box in the sales department :ermm:
I've emailed the local waterjet companies to see if they have scraps but no response yet.
I've inquired at work about scrap materials but no response there yet, either.
I have a couple of (quite rusty) pieces of rebar laying around; I guess they might be usable for stick welding practice?
Any other suggestions on places to ask or unusual/creative sources for usable practice material?
Eventually I'd like to move up to practicing on 4130 tube, but I'm not ready for that yet.
I considered electrical conduit (cheap!) but it's galvanized (bad).
Would hacksaw blades work?
I've tried calling steel supply places looking for scrap and drops; some only sell to scrap dealers, and one said I could poke through their scraps--but the only stuff they had that was small enough and suitable for my use was in the "samples" box in the sales department :ermm:
I've emailed the local waterjet companies to see if they have scraps but no response yet.
I've inquired at work about scrap materials but no response there yet, either.
I have a couple of (quite rusty) pieces of rebar laying around; I guess they might be usable for stick welding practice?
Any other suggestions on places to ask or unusual/creative sources for usable practice material?
Eventually I'd like to move up to practicing on 4130 tube, but I'm not ready for that yet.
I considered electrical conduit (cheap!) but it's galvanized (bad).
Would hacksaw blades work?
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