You really can’t show up at a metal supplier’s warehouse and just ask for “some steel tubing."
Well… you can, but it's a bit like walking into a restaurant and asking the waiter for "some food." You might get a meal, but chances are it won't be the one you had in mind. Fortunately, buying metal isn't nearly as intimidating as many first-time fabricators think. Once you understand a handful of basics such as how different shapes are measured, what common material grades mean, and the information your supplier needs before cutting an order, you'll be able to walk into almost any steel warehouse with confidence. Better yet, you'll avoid one of the most common (and expensive) beginner mistakes: buying the wrong material and discovering the problem only after you've started cutting or welding. In this guide, you'll learn:
METAL SHAPESKnowing the basics before contacting a supplier can save a surprising amount of time and prevent ordering mistakes. So let's talk about some standard shapes and lengths, what measurements are necessary for ordering, and how to take those measurements correctly.
PIPEWhile pipe is similar to tubing, it actually follows a different set of rules that can be a little confusing. For pipe you'll need to know your nominal pipe size (NPS) and your schedule number.
Because pipe typically has something run through it (think steam, water, etc), different applications call for different wall thicknesses. This is where schedule numbers come in to play. Schedule numbers are what indicate pipe wall thickness. The higher the schedule number, the thicker/stronger the pipe.
And because pipe needs to connect, you'll want the outside diameter of your pipes to match up. This is where NPS comes in. The part that may trip you up is: Smaller pipe that's 12" and under is measured from the inside diameter. Larger pipe that's 14" and over is measured from the outside diameter. For larger pipe it's easy, your outside diameter and your NPS are going to be the same number. But for smaller pipe that's measured from the inside diameter, you'll need to consult a standardized chart like this one from Metal Supermarkets to figure out your NPS. Pipe typically comes in 20' or 40' sections and your average pipe, used for things like general plumbing, water lines, or light-duty industrial is gonna be SCH 40.
MATERIAL GRADESNot all metal is created equal, so let's talk material grades. Each grade has different chemical properties that dictates the weldability, and this info will help you pick the right filler metal and the right welding process. While there's a wide variety of metals available, the most common ones you'll run into here are carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
AluminumLike stainless steel, aluminum offers excellent corrosion resistance, plus it's got a great weight-to-strength ratio, remaining lightweight while still being strong. The most common grades you'll run into here are 1100, 2024, 3003, 5052, and 6061. If you're looking for a soft and formable option, then commercially pure 1100 aluminum is a great choice. For a little higher tensile strength but less corrosion resistance, go with 2024. For something that offers a lot of versatility when it comes to welding processes, 3003 is a strong option. Now if you're looking for something that's even stronger and offers the kind of corrosion resistance you'd need in marine applications, and you don't mind a slightly higher price, then 5052 is your guy. And for just general fabrication and structural use, 6061 is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that this grade of steel doesn't love to bend and isn't as easily formable as the other grades mentioned.
What to look for in a SUPPLIERSo now that you've narrowed down what material, shape, size, and grade you need, how do you choose your supplier? Price is always top of mind, but another consideration should be offered services.
Ask not what you can do for your metal supplier, but what your metal supplier can do for you.... or whatever that classic expression is. If you don't have the truck to transport 20' or 40' sections, or the equipment to properly process it, then you should see if your metal supplier can help you make that material more manageable. If paying a small fee can save you hours of labor in the shop, then letting them do the heavy lifting might be worth it. Many suppliers offer: saw cutting, shearing, plasma cutting, laser cutting, plate processing, tube rolling, material prep, and even custom parts production. OUR TRUSTED RECOMMENDATIONSWhile Earlbeck does not stock structural steel, plate, sheet, tubing, or really any metal that's not filler metal, we can point you in the direction of excellent metal suppliers in close proximity to our Maryland and Pennsylvania showrooms.
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Baltimore, MDWelding Supply & Gas Showroom
Welder Training & Testing Center (through AACC and CCBC) 8204 Pulaski Hwy Baltimore, MD 21237 Hours: Mon- Fri 7:30 AM - 5PM Phone: (410) 687-8400 Fax: (410) 687-1394 AACC Clauson Center for Innovation and Skilled TradesWelder Training & Testing Center at AACC Campus
101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012 Phone: (410) 687-8400 |
Beltsville, MDWelding Supply & Gas Showroom
10792 Tucker St Beltsville, MD 20705 Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM - 4:30PM Phone: (301) 937-8884 Fax: (301) 937-1811 York, PAWelding Supply & Gas Showroom
Welder Training & Testing Center through Johnson College 95 Aberdeen Rd York, PA 17406 Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM - 4:30PM Phone: (717) 916-6611 Fax: (717) 764-1281 |
Scranton, PAWelding Supply & Gas Showroom
4961 Birney Ave Scranton, PA 18507 Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM - 5:00PM Phone: (570) 457-8954 Welder Training & Testing Center at Johnson College Campus
3427 N Main Ave Scranton, PA 18508 Phone: (410) 687-8400 |
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*Training Compliance Notice
Pennsylvania:
All welding courses offered in Pennsylvania are Johnson College Continuing Education programs delivered at Earlbeck’s York, PA facility under Johnson College’s licensure and academic oversight. Johnson College manages registration, tuition, refunds, and student records for Pennsylvania programs.
Maryland:
In Maryland, welding classes are offered to the public through Earlbeck’s instructional partnerships with Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) and Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). These programs are administered through the respective colleges, which oversee enrollment, academic standards, and student records.
Intermediate and Advanced welding classes offered through our college partnerships include certification testing as part of the course. Students must pass all required tests in accordance with AWS and ASME code standards to earn welder certification.
Pennsylvania:
All welding courses offered in Pennsylvania are Johnson College Continuing Education programs delivered at Earlbeck’s York, PA facility under Johnson College’s licensure and academic oversight. Johnson College manages registration, tuition, refunds, and student records for Pennsylvania programs.
Maryland:
In Maryland, welding classes are offered to the public through Earlbeck’s instructional partnerships with Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) and Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). These programs are administered through the respective colleges, which oversee enrollment, academic standards, and student records.
Intermediate and Advanced welding classes offered through our college partnerships include certification testing as part of the course. Students must pass all required tests in accordance with AWS and ASME code standards to earn welder certification.
