Steel prices

[JD]

There seems to be only one active steel fabricator in my area, and for a 18" x 18" x 0.5" piece of A36, I got a quote of $180 .

Well there goes that idea.

Recent posts suggest this price is extraordinarily high. Any reason for the increase this year?

[bfguilford]

JD: That's an outrageous quote. I got a 17x17 piece for $40 around 8 months ago. It has nothing to do with this year. I think they just don't want to do it, or they know they are the only game in town and are testing to see if you're desperate enough (or a big enough sucker... no offense, because you obviously aren't) to go for it.

Barry

[TXCraig1]

You can get 16x14x0.5 finished all pretty, no tax, and delivered to your house for $110 here: http://bakingsteel.com/shop/the-big/

Still too much, but a whole heck of a lot better.

[JD]

I figured as much. Even $110 is too high when I know I can get the exact same thing from a fabricator not trying to rip me off. (No offence to baking steel)

[scott123]

Ellis Steel Co Inc
US Highway 45 Alternate, West Point, MS
(662) 494-5955 ‎ · ellissteel.com

Fabricators Supply
Airport Road, West Point, MS
(662) 492-0550 ‎ · fab-supply.com

Misc Steel Supply LLC
994 Mississippi 50, West Point, MS
(662) 494-0090

Blazon Tube Co
103 East Industrial Access Road, West Point, MS
(662) 494-8212 ‎

Cemco Inc
312 Industrial Park Road, Starkville, MS
(662) 323-1559

Rice Equipment Co
1380 Mississippi 182, Starkville, MS
(662) 323-5502 ‎ · riceequipmentco.com

Starkville Sheet Metal Inc
2568 New Light Road, Starkville, MS
(662) 323-5995

Orman's Welding & Fabrication
3322 Curtis Orman Road, West Point, MS
(662) 494-9471 ‎

Metals USA
751 Island Road, Columbus, MS
(662) 327-9170 ‎ · metalsusa.com

Columbus Scrap Materials
973 Island Road, Columbus, MS
(662) 328-8176 ‎

Columbus Machine & Welding
807 Moss Street, Columbus, MS
(662) 328-8473 ‎

Dill & Norris Co Inc
2502 Main Street, Columbus, MS
(662) 328-4532 ‎

Grayson Blu LLC
628 Old Robinson Road, Louisville, MS
(662) 779-1291 ‎ · graysonblu.com

Here's what you ask each of these places:

1. Do you sell to the public?
2. Do you have a minimum order? I'm looking to purchase a small steel plate.
3. What would your price be for an 18" x 18" x 1/2" a36 steel plate?

[JD]

Scott,

Thanks to you I'm now that happy owner of two 20" x 9" x 0.5" steel plates (20" x 18" cut in half). I figured it doesn't make a difference if its one solid plate or two smaller plates, so I had them cut it in half to make it easier on my back.

Total cost $57 from Rice Equipment. I'm a little embarassed because I actually didn't bother to check with them since I assumed it was an equipment company, but they're a fully loaded fabrication shop.

Thanks for the help

[scott123]

JD, that's fantastic.

You know what? We've discussed stacking stones and plates quite a few times, but I can't believe no one's come up with the idea of cutting a plate in half for easier lifting.  That's a great idea.

Barry, what do you think?  Slicing your plate down the middle to make it more manageable?

[communist]

JD, that is a great idea!  Yes Scott, it is fantastic.  Steel beats stone in every way except weight, the the weight is a major negative.  A steel cut in two!  How about a steel cut in three with tongue and groove machined ends?  A 45 pound steel could be broken into 3 manageable 15 pound pieces!  Good stuff!   Mark

[Chaze215]

I like that idea of cutting it 2. I have my 17x17x.5 ready to be picked up on Monday. 

[bfguilford]

JD, that's fantastic.

You know what? We've discussed stacking stones and plates quite a few times, but I can't believe no one's come up with the idea of cutting a plate in half for easier lifting.  That's a great idea.

Barry, what do you think?  Slicing your plate down the middle to make it more manageable?

That's a great idea [smacks head], and I just got my soapstone tile from M. Teixeira. I'll try that for a while and see how I like it.

Barry

[JD]

I actually have one question for you steel experts. Have you noticed any warping of your plate after multiple uses? This would be one theoretical downfall of cutting in half. You wouldn't want to accidently hit an edge while launching your pie.

Other than that, I found another benefit. Pancake griddles 

[bfguilford]

JD: The only warping I saw was the oven rack under that 42 lb weight.

Barry

[communist]

No warping after about 100 cycles

[JD]

Good to hear, thanks guys.

[corkd]

For what its worth, I paid 90$ for a 15x17 x.5 piece from a local fabricator here is syracuse. on the high $side i know, but I was ok with it- a beautiful piece, unmarked, and they finished the edges for me. I make a good living selling over-priced wine, so I figure I can take a hit every now & then