Metal Plates

[John Martin]

How would one go about finding some large steel sheet/plate??? I am looking for one that is 6x4 and one that is 5x5. I am also looking for one that is 5' x 2' 6". I want them to be 1/4". So any suggestions on where or how to find them. My location is already known, and yes, I have called around and searched, but to no avail.

[nett]

Have you called any steel fabricators? Good chance they will have the material on hand and can size it for you.

[Frosty]

You aren't likely to find the sizes you're looking for as such.

I'd suggest trying to find one sheet of 1/4" x 5' x 10' to make two of your pieces and one sheet of 1/4" x 4' x 8' to make the other.

Expect the 5' x 10' to be harder to find and probably more costly.

Another option is to buy enough 4' x 6' sheets to cut and weld the 5' x 5' you need.

A fab shop somewhere close relatively I guess might, MIGHT be able to help you.

Lastly you might reconsider the project to incorporate commonly available stock sizes.

Good luck,

Frosty

[John Martin]

I'm trying to build a welding table, work table, and new forge. I will find a welding company in milwaukee or madison I guess, cuz the ones around here are small, and I know they don't carry it, because I've been to all of 'em.

I'll look for three of the 4'x6' plates now, because I can use two of them for the welding and work table. And then the other one I can cut with a torch to make two forges, or save the other half for something else.

Edited December 30, 2008 by m_brothers

[orgtwister]

its probably cheaper if you but 4x8 sheets and cut them were im at its cheaper that way and by me they will usally make the first cut free so when i make things with sheet steel i have them cut to size

[Will. K.]

I've bought from speedy metals before and was pleased but I'm not sure if they carry those sizes of plate. I'm located near Appleton, WI. I think my work gets most of its sheet & plate from our local Alro Steel supplier or Liebovich Steel. I can check with the purchasing agent to verify where we usually get our 1/4" mild steel plate next week.

There is a place up here that deals in smaller quantities that i have heard of people gaving good experiences with, Appleton Steel - Appleton, Wisconsin

Alro Steel, Wauwatosa WI: Alro Specialty Metals - Milwaukee, WI

Speedy Metals, New Berlin WI: Contacting Us

Lievovich Steel, Rockford IL: Liebovich Steel & Aluminum Company

[philip in china]

A welding table would be better out of heavier plate. I used 20mm and that is adequate.

[Doug C]

Also you might check with local road construction companies and find where they buy their plate.. They use steel plate to cover large holes in the road. I gave seen some really big stuff being used here.

[Mills]

I would suggest that you forgo the plate for a welding table and find an old exterior slab door. It is what I use. I also have gone from a 5' x 12' layout table to a 36"x64" and a 32"x64" table. Both from doors, Both on wheels Both the same height. They are flat and have usually 2 known straight edges and 1 or 2 square corners. Angle iron on the sides to create a place to clamp work straight and square.

Most of my work is smaller than either table, but when I need to do a larger piece I can put them together. I also have a couple of third hands to assist in odd size pieces.