How to acquire materials from a scrap yard

[ramses]

I live in a fairly rural town, and I don't feel like driving to cleveland. If I go to a scrap yard, I'd definitely be buying a substantial amount of metal. I'll call around tomorrow.

That raises another question: Is there an easy way to cut large cross section pieces of steel or aluminum.

[LeMaudit]

Well, for steel I believe you'll need something like a radial arm saw, with a blade for metal. Something like that:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-14-in ... 91938.html
or that as a metal band saw:
http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-v ... 47840.html

Note that I don't suggest you buy cheap tools, and I have no particular experience with Harbor Freight, except knowing its reputation of being cheap, both for price and quality

Personally I avoid like the plague cutting steel, and it's a bit out of my machining league, but for brass and aluminum I use my inexpensive Sears wood band saw, but *only* because it have a variable speed. You can cut soft metal at the *slowest speed* and going very very slow, very gently; don't try that on the speed made for wood or on a non-variable band saw, you'll be sorry! (and most certainly injured)

[Heimo]

I live in a fairly rural town, and I don't feel like driving to cleveland. If I go to a scrap yard, I'd definitely be buying a substantial amount of metal. I'll call around tomorrow.

That raises another question: Is there an easy way to cut large cross section pieces of steel or aluminum.

I was at a scrap yard the other day, and one thing I can tell you, you never just leave with what you came for...

The other thing I can tell you, it to take a set of spanners, screwdrivers and a hacksaw or a gas powered saw if you got something like that.

reason to take all these tools is because more times than I can count I wanted something that is attached to a larger piece of junk I don't want to buy as well just to get the small part I want.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Joseph, Baron Ducreux (June 26, 1735 – July 24, 1802) had the right idea.

[ramses]

I was actually considering looking for a cheap plasma cutter, but I know that works better for plate. Unfortunately, I still only have a hacksaw for the scrap yard, unless I can borrow my friend's oxyacetylene rig...

JSR, that has been my philosophy until this point. I'm slipping, though.