Steel suppliers in northeast MA / southern NH area?

[jim_wilson]

Got the new welder - check

got the welding table - check

plasma cutter in the works - check

Now I just need to find a decent place to buy steel in the Northeast MA or southern NH area. Wondering if anybody knows of any decent suppliers that have a good selection and prices. In the past I've bought steel in small quantities here and there from online suppliers or from local fab shops who were willing to sell small quantities.

Anybody here from the area who knows of any good suppliers that aren't too far away?

 

[Piston]

I haven't actually purchased from them yet, but I've gotten quotes for some steel to build an extension for my mill as well as a Landplane. They seem helpful over email and store all they're steel indoors, no minimums and no problems selling to the "little guys"

CENTRAL STEEL SUPPLY CO., INC.
85 Ames Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
508-573-5300 . 508-460-2014

 

[jim_wilson]

I haven't actually purchased from them yet, but I've gotten quotes for some steel to build an extension for my mill as well as a Landplane. They seem helpful over email and store all they're steel indoors, no minimums and no problems selling to the "little guys"

CENTRAL STEEL SUPPLY CO., INC.
85 Ames Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
508-573-5300 . 508-460-2014

Thanks - I'll add them to the list. Any idea on how their prices compare - did you get any quotes from them?

 

[jimcolt]

Not quite "Southern" NH, but I deal with Cohen Steel in Concord NH. They are incredibly easy for the little user to deal with, and better pricing than I have found anywhere else. I drive an hour South to get there...even though I have a local supplier 4 miles from my house (Barker Steel).

Jim Colt

Got the new welder - check

got the welding table - check

plasma cutter in the works - check

Now I just need to find a decent place to buy steel in the Northeast MA or southern NH area. Wondering if anybody knows of any decent suppliers that have a good selection and prices. In the past I've bought steel in small quantities here and there from online suppliers or from local fab shops who were willing to sell small quantities.

Anybody here from the area who knows of any good suppliers that aren't too far away?

 

[CNC Dan]

northstar and yarde
Look at yarde website for 'drop zone'
They sell their remnants cheap. Not sure about shipping though.

northstar beats yarde sometimes on price.
i get stuff through work account so no shipping charges for me.

 

[jim_wilson]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Cohen looks like it might be my best option. I've bought small lots of steel online a number of times for small projects I was doing - any idea on how buying online compares in price to buying local?

If I do something like buy a full sheet of 1/4" steel - or maybe a half sheet - is it going to save me some money overall in comparison to buying just waht I need at any given time?

 

[BukitCase]

Not sure about east coast, but my local supplier (ram steelco) knocks roughly 10% off their "walk in" prices if you have an account with them - there's no extra charge, no minimum, and they deliver to my place in the country for FREE on orders over $50. Typically next day service.

They also have a rack where they keep 1/4 sheets (2' x 4') from 16 gauge up to 3/8", sheared from full sheets. Nearly the same cost as full sheets per square foot.

Something like that should help you out when you get the plaz - I have a Hypertherm 45, and sheet stock is cheaper per pound than flat bar - your plaz and a few angle iron scraps for guides, and you may eventually PAY for the plaz with the difference.

Of course, YMMV - but it never hurts to ASK... Steve

Oh, if you go that route it will help to have a DRY place to store offcuts, etc - otherwise you'll probably spend the difference in flap disks, elbow grease, and/or rattle can primer trying to keep the stuff clean enough to weld/paint...

 

[Piston]

Thanks - I'll add them to the list. Any idea on how their prices compare - did you get any quotes from them?

I did get a quote from them, but didn't compare to anywhere else because they are the only ones in my area that I even know about.


The following thickness' of a 4'x8' sheet of plate steel are what I have prices on, as well as some 24' lengths of square tubing....

3/8" $250

1/2" $330

I did get 3/4" as well but can't find the price right now, let me know if you want me to find that one.

 

[jimcolt]

Cohen steel doesn't charge cutting charges on most materials. I buy a fair amount of rect. tube and if you call and order in advance they will cut to length (I often buy many pieces cut to 48" or 60") (saw cut with good accuracy) for no extra. I often get 4 x 4 sheets of 3/8" as well, regular price, no charge for shearing to 4 x 4. I pick up.....not sure on their delivery policy. They are the best I've found in regards to dealing with small orders, low volume customers.

Jim

Thanks for the suggestions.

Cohen looks like it might be my best option. I've bought small lots of steel online a number of times for small projects I was doing - any idea on how buying online compares in price to buying local?

If I do something like buy a full sheet of 1/4" steel - or maybe a half sheet - is it going to save me some money overall in comparison to buying just waht I need at any given time?

 

[jim_wilson]

Not sure about east coast, but my local supplier (ram steelco) knocks roughly 10% off their "walk in" prices if you have an account with them - there's no extra charge, no minimum, and they deliver to my place in the country for FREE on orders over $50. Typically next day service.

They also have a rack where they keep 1/4 sheets (2' x 4') from 16 gauge up to 3/8", sheared from full sheets. Nearly the same cost as full sheets per square foot.

Something like that should help you out when you get the plaz - I have a Hypertherm 45, and sheet stock is cheaper per pound than flat bar - your plaz and a few angle iron scraps for guides, and you may eventually PAY for the plaz with the difference.

Of course, YMMV - but it never hurts to ASK... Steve

Oh, if you go that route it will help to have a DRY place to store offcuts, etc - otherwise you'll probably spend the difference in flap disks, elbow grease, and/or rattle can primer trying to keep the stuff clean enough to weld/paint...

Thanks - it's always an option. I've always ordered stuff in the past by just getting enough for a particular project - what I'm thinking of doing is building up some "stock" - especially full or half sheets so I can just cut what I need when I need it instead of having to go hunt down steel when I need some. It would all be kept in a cool, dry place so I don't end up with a pile of iron oxide.