If welding - where do i obtain sheet steel from ?

[Burt Reynolds]

As the subject states, where would i go to get a panel of sheet steel to weld a couple of panels? I don't need anything too big. And what size/grade for panels for a Capri and strut plates. In the Carshalton/Sutton/Worcester Park area.Ta

[flyingbanana]

go to a sheet metal enginnering co and ask top buy a off cut or a sheet

[Burt Reynolds]

Good idea - cheers.

[Beakster]

Check yellow pages for Steel Stockholder or Steel merchant.

 

You want to get 20swg and 18swg gauge steel. 20swg = 1mm good for panels, and 18swg is 1.2mm, good for chassis sections. I also got a few bits of 15.mm, 2mm and 3mm steel for the odd really thick bit, like the strut top cups and chassis rails.

[mk3tina]

yes any metalworking place will have some, ive bought mine in the past from a local auto factors.

[Pipster007]

You could try an accident repair garage if they have an old door or bonnet they are throwing away, then you could cut out and make the relevant repair pieces

[GT_lenny]

your local car paint suppliers will stock body work thickness steel sheets i buy mine in 4 foot square sheets(about 1mm thick) its £18 a sheet

[petrolhead]

ebay mate, you'll be surprised!

 

And as your Sutton way, try Sparrowhawk metals up by Epsom Downs.

[Burt Reynolds]

Cheers again. Some great ideas there.....and some great avatars - ahem ahem...

[V8ian]

another place, if you are stuck at a weekend is B&Qs, not a cheap source, but can get you out of trouble

[stevepeanut]

http://www.metalsupermarkets.com/

 

zetecvan2.0 put me onto these people, they were excellent to buy from, check the store locator to see if there is one near you

[Trevmk3]

i can get bits i need from work if i need any that may be on its way towards the scrap bin

[Burt Reynolds]

Some people are just blessed with good luck. B&Q? I didn't know they done sheet steel? Well, if anyone else know of metal fabricatiors in Sutton/Worcester Park/Ewell way that lob out their old scrap sheet metal then i'd appreciate it. I'll zoom down there and grab a sheet or 2.

[Lardy]

there mcguyvors or mr Ts just up the road burt and if your lucky they would even throw in an air powered cabage launcher

[Burt Reynolds]

Finally - when buying a welder mask what are the key things i need to look for?

Obviously i've seen a few starting at £20 on ebay, but want something presuambly

Solar powered

Auto darkening

Darkens quickly 1/10th of a second (is that quick enough)

Levels 9-13?

Don't want a mega expensive one, but don't want to buy one that collapses the moment i fire up the welder and i get arc eye.

Bonjour

[over_head_cam]

I've got one of these which is a good 'budget' helmet: http://www.diywelding.co.uk/product_details.asp?p={2F535B15-3140-4F87-8F23-2F6763A650AC}

 

If you've got a bit more cash you could go for a Speedglass or a Miller or something like that

[Burt Reynolds]

Cheers !