Where to buy steel stock in NJ

[o2b4wln]

Howdy folks,

Starting to get into welding, mainly for furniture stands/frames/etc, and wanted to find out where to get decent stock in the Central NJ area.

I'll mainly be using 1/8" and, depending on the weight of the project, 1/4". I looked at the big box stores and didn't care for the price to length ratio, was hoping someone could point me to someplace that has patience for a hobbyist.

Thanks,
Neeraj

 

[Bob D.]

Joseph Fazzio's would be one place.
2760 Glassboro-Cross Keys Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028

They also have a facility in Wall Township (never been there)
5001 Routes 33 & 34 (at Circle)
Farmingdale, NJ 07727

Fazzio's Machine & Steel would be another.
3278 Glassboro Cross Keys Rd,
Glassboro,NJ,08028

They are separate companies but located only a half mile apart. I've bought from both and never asked what the relationship/history between the two is. Might be brothers that went their separate ways years ago but that is speculation on my part. I do know they have both been good to deal with.

 

[Slowlearner]

Check online sometimes as well metaldepot i think is one..

 

[RKA]

I can't really help you, but I would love it if you documented your meanderings into the world of metal.  I've never welded before and while it would be great to mix metal and wood, I've been intimidated by the learning curve.

 

[Slowlearner]

I can't really help you, but I would love it if you documented your meanderings into the world of metal.  I've never welded before and while it would be great to mix metal and wood, I've been intimidated by the learning curve.

Welding is actually pretty easy when using mig welding. They have it now you can do gasless. I dont like it too much more clean up but if thats the choice its their. For me tig welding is where it gets tricky. Look up weldingtipsandtricks on you tube. Great guy makes it easy to learn.
  Mig welding you can literally pick up gun and lay some beads. Some fairly decent cheap machines out there as well

 

[RKA]

Haha, looking at your screen name, I guess that's high endorsement.  Thanks, here comes another rabbit hole!

 

[Slowlearner]

Lol ya. Ill trade you wood working tips for welding tips. Lol

 

[o2b4wln]

Thanks for the recommendations, very much appreciated; unfortunately, they are too far away to make it worthwhile. If I was an avid welder I would have made the trip, but since I'm starting out, I need to purchase small amounts of stock to experiment on before I make any large purchases.

I'll probably go the metaldepot route and see what happens.

Thanks,
Neeraj

 

[Bob D.]

You can also try the home centers for small quantities but the prices will not be as good. Tractor Supply also has small quantities of flat bar and angle and such if you have one of their stores in your area.

You just gave us central jersey so couldn't of much help in finding something next door to you.

 

[Steve1]

Hardware stores and Big Box are not good places to buy metals.  The selection and mark up are not appealing.  I have to figure there are plenty of steel suppliers in NJ.  Trouble is, most of them are looking to sell full lengths to industry, and not really interested in selling you 24" of 3/16" x 4" bar.    However, just like any industry, there are big shops and there are small shops, and a few of them are small shops that are quite happy to do small orders.  You have to search them out.    They possibly still have minimum orders. 

 

[rvieceli]

You can also check around for local fab shop and see if they have drops they might sell.

 

[rmwarren]

Steel is tough to source for the average DIY'er. I'm at the Jersey shore near AC and my best alternative is to drive the ~60 minutes each way to Fazzio's in Glassboro so I have (1) a wide selection and (2) the option to buy 4-6' lengths.

When I added a welder to the fleet I took the plunge and bought 500# of various profiles. It hurt at first but now I can mostly dip into the on-hand stock and find something that I can get by with. Every couple of months I make a run to Fazzio's for something specific and when I do I restock as needed. FWIW I've found their prices to average around $1/# for pre-cut stock.

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Just my [2cents]

RMW

 

[Bob D.]

If you're in New Jersey anywhere south of Trenton I think Fazzio's is
probably you're best bet.

You can buy by the ton or just a couple short lengths as Richard stated.

Years ago you could rummage through the drop cuts of steel and aluminum
and get stuff for pennies a pound.

If you go check out the nut and bolt room.

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone in NJ with a wider selection of steel on
hand than they have I think.

 

[RKA]

As an added incentive, if you're already going down to Glassboro, it's a good excuse to make a trip over the river for some tax free shopping in Delaware.  Christiana Mall, Woodcraft or even the Felder showroom if you're feeling particularly spendy!    I'll usually make the hike down there once or twice a year from CNJ. 

 

[o2b4wln]

I live in Basking Ridge so that trip would be about 4 hours round trip, probably going to wait till I get much better at welding.

I'll try my luck at some of the local suppliers and keep you all posted.

Thanks again for all the recommendations, very much appreciated!

-Neeraj

 

[rmwarren]

[member=60525]o2b4wln[/member] I have never been there however Fazzio's north Jersey location appears to be around 1 hour from Basking Ridge.

RMW

 

[Michael Kellough]

Ha! You call that North Jersey?

 

[RKA]

Haha, I was waiting for that!

 

[rmwarren]

Good point. Anything close to 1 & 9 is north enough for me... I only go there under duress. Spoiled.

Myself, I'm heading to Fazzio in Glassboro in the AM to pick up some CR to make up clamp racks.  [big grin]

RMW

 

[Bob D.]

Ha! You call that North Jersey?

Anything north of Camden is North Jersey to us down here in SNJ.

Basking Ridge is WAY north of Central Jersey from down here. But that's why I suggested Fazzio's Wall Township location because to me that IS Central Jersey.

Rich, if I knew you were heading to Fazzio's tomorrow I would have tried to meet up with you there for an eyeball.
I'm only ~25 minutes away and I'm due for a trip anyway, but tomorrow I have plans (ARRL Field Day if anyone knows what that is), so will be busy this weekend with activities that don't involve woodworking (or welding).

I didn't know Felder had a showroom in DE, where abouts. I make a trip to Woodcraft in New Castle about 4 or 5 times a year. AFAIK they don't have a single store in NJ. There are no Rockler stores near here either, closest is Pittsburgh I believe.