what kinda steel to buy?

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Hey brothers ans sisters,

I'm looking for some steel plate to make a few things from (rockers, springer plates (like a flat version of a Monark), ya know...). but, I'm TOTALLY ignorant as to what type of steel to buy. I'm thinking 3/16" to 1/4" thick (is that too thick, too thin?)

I'm not sure where a scrapyard is near me(gotta find one though, I've got four ten foot poles to get rid off), so i'm looking at eBay.

Question, am I looking for Hot Roll, Cold Roll, Construction Quality, Mild Steel, Stainless, heck I've even found Chrom Moly. I don't plan on having to bend it, but you never know, ya know?

HELP! I don't wanna buy something that will bend or snap.

As usual, your infinite wisdom is greatly appreciated. :mrgreen:

Cheers,
Dr. T

 

[XC204]

Dr cold rolled will be very flat and square edged and not scalie and more expensive hot is what they sell at Home Depot can use either for what we do.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatal

 

[deven_science]

I buy 3/16" mild steel for all that stuff. It's beefy, but one look at 1/4", and you'll know it's too big.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Thanks for the info guys, I knew I asked the right group if people!

Cheers,
Dr. T

 

[jerrykr]

don't forget aluminum. Home Depot has it in various sizes right next to the steel.
it is good for making brackets for lights, etc. where you don't need the strength of steel.
it bends, drills, and cuts a lot easier than steel, if all you have are hand tools.

 

[Spincycle]

I second the 3/16" mild steel. If your going to put any structural bends in your project you can go with a lighter plate like 1/8". Stainless is nice for "pretty" parts. It work hardens though and scratches easily. Use cold rolled mild steel when possible. It will have a slightly higher toughness, hardness, and tensile strength than hot rolled, but will be less ductile.