Sheet steel stock sales

[Hitch]

We are considering offering sheet steel cut into blanks for sale through the forum. I have noticed a lot of people seem to buy it at extortionate prices and dont always get what they want.

The idea being, that you get what you want, in a reasonable quantity, reasonable price, and with the ease of buying online.

Would anyone consider using this?
What size blanks would be most usefull?
What thicknesses?

 

[mart]

Would the cost of shipping such heavy material be an issue in respect of trying to save some money?

 

[chunkolini]

Seems a good idea, I have seen the bokers prices on fleabay or at small suppliers, but buying a whole sheet for a small piece is a bind.

One thought, buying stock to do this could prove costly or is the plan to use people's existing stocks and take cuts from that. Would you be able to cut to size and shape? this could save a lot of hassle for people without the technology to do this. Obviously with the proviso that customers are measurements followed and 'if it dont fit tough luck'.

I am lucky enough to be self supporting in this one, but I can remember buying my first whole sheet of steel, what a nightmare, could not cut it up into manageable pieces or barely get it into the ratcave. A good idea.

Chunko'.

 

[Hitch]

Would the cost of shipping such heavy material be an issue in respect of trying to save some money?

That is a downside, but a square metre of 1mm is only about 8kg.
Could be posted for about £7-8
Ebay seems to have 1mmx500x250, £6 postage.

 

[gavuk]

Hi Karl ,which courier would you use?as some couriers won't drop off without a signature,or when "posted as missed"i would have to travel 30-40miles to their depot ?........royal mail ,including strikes,are still more convienent because they have a branch local to pick up from.....cheers Gav

 

[Hitch]

Royal mail is very expensive for heavy stuff...

I found this the other day, no good for big bits, but smaller bits it looks a usefull service
http://www.collectplus.co.uk/about_collectplus.php

 

[gavuk]

Agreed local shop is 0.28 miles and open till 7pm .......as you say long lengths will be akward ,its a good idea ,good luck.......Gav

 

[Pete.]

Here's another good'un, £6.50 parcel with collection.

http://www.interparcel.com/

 

[bigbadbugga]

Here is another courrier

http://www.parcel2go.com/

I think this is a good idea, but again think that the postage costs might become a little silly on heavier orders.

 

[engybenjy]

Ive always used P4D.co.uk and cannot fault the service. Prices are good and if you 'sign up' , which takes a couple of minutes you get 5% off straight away, and if you have a couple parcels collected the same day you get more discount
Ive just sent an LSD @ 30Kg to the Highlands on a 48hr delivery for 30 notes, bargain me thinks
HTH, Ben

 

[mart]

Yep-good idea if we can get on top of the postage cost element-I’d be interested too. Suggestions for alternatives to parcel force/royal mail etc (like the ones already suggested) is the key. Keep em coming if you’ve used other couriers and think they’re are ok.

 

[kingkenny]

could try shipley

 

[reno]

This is a really good idea! I'd definately consider it as an option as I've had to buy full sheets in the past which for the diy'er can be pain to cut and store.

As for couriers Fastway might be worth a look. Think they work out about £5 for anything up to 25kg. Downside is that their system is pre-paid so your committed to buying a book of 50 tickets in advance.

 

[wannabewelder]

Hi
I don't think anyone's answered two of Hitch's original questions which were: -
What size blanks would be most usefull?
What thicknesses?
I'm new to this and haven't yet had to purchase any materials, so can't say what would be best; but somebody who has connections with a stockholder should be able to give a "heads up" on the most popular sizes I'd have thought.

Wannabe