The cost of metal what to do?

[Ford960]

And you are going to tell me you are in Meck County ? just a few moments over the border from me ? I'd like to go and check out the office... I mean these deals you are telling me about.

Actually you're only 225 miles away as the drunk crow flies.
The office is blonde, very nice build, and super nice. My GF would probably ban me from there if she saw her. On second thought, I'd get banned if she saw me type this.

 

[SCRich]

225 miles each way will buy a lot of scrap even if his name is Bubba instead of Candy!

 

[Brad_Blazer]

A friend of mine at work recommended this company's Winston location. They have a Charlotte location too.
Atlantic Scrap

In the make it vs. buy it topic I feel like I can't beat a factory. I just bought that NT splitter on sale for $399. If all the metal was free I would still be close to that with the hydraulic system. On the other hand if I want something that isn't readily available, making it myself is way way less than hiring out a custom job.

I get metal from work & the dump. Plus my neighbor is a "collector" and likes to share.

Brad

 

[SCRich]

What NT Splitter ? I saw one yesterday a 3pt for $499. Yesterday was also 10% off but I passed on it. Part of me says why run up the hours on the tractor while splitting when it's not that expensive just to get one with an engine instead. $399 plus the 10% off would have made me think a bit more though.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

This one.
NorthStar 3-Point Horizontal Log Splitter | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment
It was last month when I got it. They were selling in the Hickory store for that price.

Edit: Here is a video of a test split on a hickory log w/ knot. It definitely needs to be hooked up to the 3-point for real work.


I was only running 1050RPM during the video - that's about 3.7 GPM on my tractor.

Brad

 

[varmint]

It's a little removed from tractoring areas, but still of interest: my bro in law lives in a nice area of Brooklyn, NY. He's a salvager, and the city is a prime spot. It's amazing what gets put on the street for NY's trash crews. Lots of steel from this and that, fine mahogany wall paneling torn out from old rowhouses, bed frames, steel tables, stainless steel counters, simply amazing. When I visit, I often bring home goodies that we find. Yes, he welds, in his basement!

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm still pretty new at this metal and welding thing, but I go to a steel recycler in the area occasionally. They sell scrap for 20 cents a pound. I've got to be patient because they usually don't have what I want. However, I usually want what I find. I picked up an almost full sheet of diamond plate there. It was missing a few feet out of one corner. I still haven't used any of it, but I'm sure I will.

The advice to have a steel rack where you stockpile good stuff is a good idea. You'll probably find good stuff and need good stuff on different timelines. Just don't get in a hurry.

 

[YOTI]

Hey Rich, Don't know how close you are to a dealer but when I see those new tractors come in on the truck they are setting in a steel cage. You might be able to get some of that before they do whatever they do with it. Good luck

 

[sandman2234]

Back in 1991 I completely rebuilt a trailer, lowered it, lenthened it, moved the axle back after the new owner realized I was right on the axle position he refused to pay for, and I refused to release his trailer till it was moved.
The crossmembers I removed, just under 8' lenghts of 3" channel were stashed for the next time I needed some. I used 4 lengths of it today, working on the dump trailer that I am building. I used pieces of 3" as the cross braces to give the decking some strenght.
I decided to go ahead and use the aluminum for the dump part of the trailer, just so I can get it moving, as the dirt I have really needs to be moved soon!

 

[Bubba Tex]

It's amazing what the gov't gets rid of...look for the nearest DRMO to you and bid online.

Government Surplus Auctions at Government Liquidation