Metal suppliers and galv questions

[AdrianH]

I am quite sure this will be a very short thread, but spurred on by other posts about railings and gates, and the fact the wooden ones around the garden are now 9 years old and starting to rot I have found a metal supplier that will deliver to me.

ASD metals in Blackburn is probably 1.5 miles away from me.
I have there catalogue, but for black flat and bar it does not list typical lengths. An old K-Steels booklet gives around 6 to 6.3 metres. Is this fairly typical for all? I have sent an email but it would be Monday before I get a response.

Second bit, when sending articles away for hot dip galv. is the mill scales removed by the Galver's in an acid bath first or would I have to grind off first? I am confident it would be the acid bath at the Galver's, but wish to be sure

Thanks all

Adrian

 

[Paul.]

Black flats are generally 6m random which usually means they come at around 6.1 ish, some of the smaller black flats like 15 x 3 and similar are 4mtr randoms, Box sections are 7.5 - 7.6 mtrs, except for ERW's which are again 6mtrs.

 

[AdrianH]

Thanks Paul, so I can work on 6 metre lengths in General, can always add a few.

The only thing they have asked is I get around 150 to 200Kg of steel at a time. That’s not to bad if I plan properly.

Adrian

 

[KemppiFrog]

All the galvanizers I have used have acid baths for the scale. But, when I hand over bits that have been acid cleaned by me, I get a discount and faster service.
KF

 

[AdrianH]

Thanks for the responses, thought as much, now just got find one local and get an idea of costs.

Adrian

 

[Kent]

You can buy any length you want at smaller quantities at North Valley forge Just off the M65 at Nelson ( I think they sell stock at 3mtr as most collect in transit size vans), also all the bits for those railings like rail heads and such. If you want some 40x10 black as normally used in railings I have plenty in I can sell and can even cut it to the required lengths for you, no great quantity of round bar or twisted in at present but I will likely be getting some soon but do have a look at the twisted bars and such via NVF they aint dear and will come as you want them, just weld them in.

NVF have their components and steel stock priced on line

No you send it off for galv as is, it will be dipped out of course anyhow you wont make any saving here. NVF have two collections a week and you can pay them for the galv, its a little dearer but cheaper when you consider your not carting all your railings to Heywood or Bradford which are your nearest plants now (Blackburn and Bolton are now both closed)

 

[Hitch]

Generally flats are between 6m and 6.1m, you cant bank on having anything over 6m though, so order enough to cover.
If you order from ASD, just let them know how you intend to unload it, eg by hand, 1t crane.....or whatever. They usually note it on your account and delivery tickets for future reference then, that way they shouldn't turn up with a 2tonne bundle sat on top of your steel.

For the galv, just make sure you brush any swarf off, wipe off any excess cutting oil etc, and make sure there is no paint, thats about it....and if you have any hollow sections, drill vent holes yourself, or they will charge you up for doing it.

 

[AdrianH]

Again thanks guys. Know of NVF and there seems to be signs of Rourkes again, or at least a holding website and sales at?

Good point on the ASD, it will not take much to get to the 150- 200 Kgs, but yes having to shift some from n top will be a pain.

I will be a few weeks off anything yet, just tring to plan at this stage.

Thanks all.

Adrian

 

[Kent]

Rourkes finished a few years ago, you will find old stuff on the net but the factory is a castings place now and I recon Brian is likely off someplace sunnier than Burnley now