Both told me that no matter what the footage totals for each type was, I would be charged by the full "length" of steel they cut from. In other words, if I needed 16 feet of one type, I would be charged for a full "length" (20' at one supplier, 24 feet at the other), but would only get the 16 feet I asked to be cut. Maybe they'd throw in the excess, but, I didn't ask.
I went with the supplier who could supply the plate. His price for cutting my lengths of steel was $237. I called him back later and asked how much it would cost if I just bought the full lengths that I needed (2 of 1/8" tube, 1 of the 3/16" tube and one of the 1/8" angle) and he said $190. I elminated $47 from the cost and got more steel. I just have to make the cuts myself. I had planned on getting a 10" steel blade for my chop saw and making some cuts anyway. What the hey...I've got more time than money.
So, if you are making a chassis, ASK QUESTIONS. Make sure you get the most for your money. My cost of $190 includes the 5' x 9' frame witth 3 internal cross members (1/8" tube in the center, and a 1/8" angle between the center and each end for floor support)s, 3/16" "A" tongue, rear bumper, and tongue box support.
That brings my total chassis cost to about $620 before state taxes on the local purchases. Of course, Ira will want me to include the $38 for the set of 4 leveling stands I'll get from WM, even though they are not attached to the chassis.
I don't think the cost of my chassis is too high, considering it includes a torsion axle and Rustbullet coating. I don't think I could get a custom frame built for that. My axle should be ready for pickup this week, so I should be ready to weld by the following weekend. (and they said I'd never get started 
)
I use a porta-band for fine cuts.
