Where to get raw materials?

[joceiphus]

I know this is a dumb question, but I don't know where to get sheet metal and fancy motorcycle tubing. Any suggestions?

I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. So, I thought I would try some of that custom fabricating that they've been showin' on the T.V. for the past 10 yrs.

[jmnjrpa]

Ace hardware if you have the extra cash

If not, a lot of companies manufacture (not OEM) sheet metal products. They are happy to part with a little scrap for a few bucks. You would be surprised at what goes into the scrap bin. Recycle centers are the same for a little more money but they have a bigger variety.

[DGXSER]

For sheet metal, and perhaps tubing/piping, try a few local HVAC companies. Alot of them have sheet metal shops on site to fabricate ductwork and you would be surprised at the thickness and such that they use for some stuff.

Depending on what size your looking for, anothe companies scrap could be your treasure.

[tarzan]

Steel companies sell remnants.Most cities have at least 1, most have at least a couple steel suppliers.That is where machine shops and fabricators get theirs.
Another place I get good steel is recycling yards.They usually have lots of various shapes and sizes of all kinds of metals.Used metals are just as good
as new and very cheap.

[jmnjrpa]

OBTW--to get into that (making frames and such) will take quite a bit of equipment and know how. In case you haven't been there, the metal bending, forming and welding is a pretty extensive trade. You would not be a happy camper to suddenly find out (at 70 mph) that a bend on your frame stress fractured and turned your beauty into the beast from he!!. Otherwise, done right it could give one a feeling of accomplishment and pride.

[bikerphil]

I get my metals from here....

http://www.speedymetals.com/default.aspx?

[joceiphus]

Thanks guys. I'm in the process of teaching myself to weld, and all I have for material is Superthick scrap steel from jobsites.

[DiverRay]

What type of welder do you have?? I just started using my Miller TIG. Made a stand for the grinder I use first, and then a folding welding table! The table is a BIG help with welding, and it was easy to build.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Jo,

I work in a shop here in Tulsa that does exhaust and I might be able to help you with some welding if you need it.

Our bender only accepts pipe sizes down to 1 1/2" though.

Let me know if I can help.

[joceiphus]

What type of welder do you have?? I just started using my Miller TIG. Made a stand for the grinder I use first, and then a folding welding table! The table is a BIG help with welding, and it was easy to build.

I have a harbor freight flux core welder, it's a start.

[joceiphus]

Jo,

I work in a shop here in Tulsa that does exhaust and I might be able to help you with some welding if you need it.

Our bender only accepts pipe sizes down to 1 1/2" though.

Let me know if I can help.

Careful, I may take you up on that!

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Careful, I may take you up on that!

Wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it bro'.

[joceiphus]

Thanks man

[crazy steve]

I have a harbor freight flux core welder, it's a start.

If it's possible to convert that welder to gas (CO2 or a CO2/Argon mix), you should do so. That will give much cleaner welds and make it easier to use to boot. Although if you're planning on welding on your frame it may be too light as wire-feed welders don't have the best penetration. Personally I wouldn't use one for structural mods to a frame. But they're great for sheetmetal.

And one more place to get sheetmetal is body shops. I've used a lot of bits off old doors/fenders/etc to make stuff. There's a lot of future parts in a damaged hood; ask nice and you may get it for free....

'78E original owner

[joceiphus]

I won't be welding on any frame for quite a while. Especially not with this welder. Sheet metal's what I'm aiming at for now. I've been looking into metalworking sites. All very cool stuff!! The wife has me doing honeydo's today, but all week is going to be study time and practice practice practice!!!!