Hot Damn! Got Me A Welder! But I need steel...

[Pyro Dave]

Well it's all over now as I have completed step one of building my tear; obtain welder (a Hobart Welder Stickmate LX 235 AC / 160 DC). Now for step two; Learn to weld. I've been reading all of the very informative welding posts, ordered a good welding book and have found a local welder who is willing to give me an afternoon of basic instructions in exchange for some cabinet work. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting cheap steel? The prices are pretty high as compared to just a few short years ago and like everyone else, I'm building my TD with the best material for the least amount of mulah. Do scrap yards sell the steel that they take in? Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
Pyro Dave
(Hmm just think of the big sparks that welder will make!)(':twisted:')

[madjack]

Dave, the scrap yards 'round here sell anything they have...it's their bidnezz afterall...both new and used.....

[bg]

I think King metals has a branch in Baltimore. Might give them a call and see what they have.

[nevadatear]

my husband owns a small machine shop that focuses on agricultural machine repair. We are nowhere near you, out here in Nevada, but he sells cheap scrap metal all the time. You might want to check out the small shops in your area in the good old yellow pages. Internet may or may not do you any good as small old time shops probably don't have a web presence. When it comes time to buy your steel for your trailer, they will probably give you a pretty decent price for the small amount you need as well. Too bad you don't live closer!

[danlott]

Nevadatear,

I live not to far from you. I am just thinking and designing right now. Would love to see your trailer sometime. Might even see if you have some scrap metal for my future frame.

Dan

[nevadatear]

Nevadatear,

I live not to far from you. I am just thinking and designing right now. Would love to see your trailer sometime. Might even see if you have some scrap metal for my future frame.

Dan

Hey, not far is right! Would love to show you, you are the closest one we know around here that is interested in teardrops! we started in sept, it is going slow, but we are starting to put the headliner in and working on the back cabinets. have you seen the announcement for the gathering in austin over Easter? We are going, just so to see the 15 odd trailers that will be there. if you haven't seen the post, check it out here: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=26031

[doug hodder]

Hey Dan....c'mon on down...Austin isn't that far away....give you a chance to see some tear ideas, have some eats and visit! Doug

[Joanne]

Nevadatear,

I live not to far from you. I am just thinking and designing right now. Would love to see your trailer sometime. Might even see if you have some scrap metal for my future frame.

Dan

Dan, I was thinking the same thing as Doug. I always recommend that someone planning to build a tear attend a gathering. There's no better place to see the trailers up close and see all the little details that you may want to include in your own trailer. Plus, there's going to be a lot of good food and fun.

Joanne

[danlott]

I would love to attend the gathering. I have to work that weekend though. 12 hour night shifts.

If I had realized that there was going to be a gathering so soon and so near me, I would have taken time off to go.

Dan

[Shadow Catcher]

I have done weld inspection for more than 25 years on everything from the space shuttle and nuclear power plants to logging equipment in the north woods. If you have never welded before, doing a trailer frame that will put you and others at possible risk, DONT!
I learned how to put mistakes into a weld and I have to tell ya keeping them out is VERY difficult and takes lots of practice and experience.
If you wish to fab your own frame use bolted connections with grade 8 bolts or do both in critical areas under tension.

Should you decide to weld I will tell you how to do testing of your practice welds and subsequent final welds.

[Steve_Cox]

Or.... after you weld it take the big hammer and test the welds, if they hold up to a beating it'll probably work OK

Trailer frames aren't rocket science, they do that down the road a piece.

[tonyj]

And that wooden box helps hold those welded joints together. Critical welds are on the tongue and axle--you might enlist the help of an experienced welder there just to cover your bases.

[Rigsby]

If buying steel stock, is anything like over here, it pays to buy a whole length of stock and cut it down yourself, as you often pay for the whole length anyway. A lot of stock holders charge to cut it as well. I always keep a hacksaw in the car just on case, and a rag to tie on the end, as the stock is often stuck out of the rear of the car by 6 foot