CaptainBruno Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 So the school where I am learning welding has this massive slab of steel that's just rusting on the floor. This thing easily weighs 200 pounds and I don't think it has been touched in several years. And I think that it's safe to assume that it is just some A36 mild steel because I don't see why they would have any sort of high carbon or alloy steel of that size just sitting there. So my question to you guys is. Considering that the owners of the school have most likely forgotten this thing and wouldn't mind getting rid of it? How much do you think I should offer them for it? I can haggle decently but I'm looking for a sort of range to work with. A piece of steel that size would be very useful for me as a work slab for working soft metals and wood, also If I need a flat piece to work on. What would you do with a slab of that size? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry W. Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 I am going to build myself a striking anvil. I found some mild steel 6in wide by 2in thick. I had two 16in pieces cut. They did not charge me for the cuts. I paid $28.00 for the two pieces. Together, they were 112 lbs. If things work out, I will start on the stand tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Evers Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 My calculations would put it at 204 pounds. Jerry's steel would have been about 110 pounds or about $50.00 for 200 pounds. I was thinking 30-40 cents a pound or $60- $80, so somewhere in that range. Start at $50. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry H Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 I would start out just asking for it, if they want to get rid of it, they will gladly give it, if not then offer. I received four anvils just by asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oof Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 i'm with larry. if i see a forgotten something and i want it, i first offer to get it out of the way for them. mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56FordGuy Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 It might also help to mention why you want it. A lot of places with steel drops or scraps get hounded by scrap metal guys, and get tired of being asked. If you make sure they know you actually want to use it and not just haul it off for scrap you may have better luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Scrap Rate for your area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainBruno Posted December 3, 2012 Author Share Posted December 3, 2012 Great thanks guys! I'm only going back there in a week or two but If I do manage to get it I'll let you know. Also ThomasPowers, do I just call up my nearest scrap yard and ask them what they'd pay/charge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56FordGuy Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 I'm not Thomas, but yes. Just call one or two local scrap yards and find out the going rate for scrap steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWHII Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 Buying used scap from the local yard here. The cost on that would be .40 a pound. If you say it weights 200lb it would be $80. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clinton Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 Stand it on edge and torch cut then grind some forging dies. Build a tripod and you have a "Brazeal style anvil" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 And my local scrap yard *sells* to me ay 24 cents a pound so their buying rate is even cheaper! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainBruno Posted December 3, 2012 Author Share Posted December 3, 2012 @ Clinton. See that would be great but I think it's just MILD steel. So I don't think it would last all that long as an anvil. I could always build up a hard layer with welds, or weld on a tool steel plate to one side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 Mild steel can be used as anvils. Particularly in large chunks where you can clean them up if you ding them up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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