Expanded Steel Question

[fwismoker]

I need to find a small piece of expanded steel to make a cylindrical charcoal basket.  I've looked at lowes but they don't have anything thick enough and the hardware store is insanely expensive.  Where do you all buy yours?

My cooker is set up for wood, charcoal or propane but i'm looking forward to doing some long brisket cooks going with charcoal and using my BBQguru but could really use a basket so the minion method will work better.  Thanks. 

 

[bhawkins]

If you have any local steel suppliers or fab shops you talk to them. depending on how big of an operation they are you might come out better talking to a floor supervisor or even just an employee. I know where I work at I can get scrap for about .10 the pound. If you can find one that deals in expanded you might get a scrap piece that will be big enough at a good price. If you know an employ you might even be able swap lunch for getting it rolled!

 Other than that I would have to say check Craig's List. I know around here once something goes to the scrap yard that's it, you won't be able to get it. They crunch it down and sell back to the smelters. 

 

[boykjo]

I think you are wanting 3/4 #9 expanded metal..... you will need to find a local steel distributor who sells to the public if you are looking for something bigger than a 2x2.....Last time I bought a 4x8 sheet it was around $55

Joe
 

 

[davidgibsonhm]

Look at home depot, menard or Lowes. They may have just been out. I have a 24x24 piece of 3/4 in the back of my truck to take back to Lowes. Normally wrapped in cardboard so finding it should be easy.

 

[smoking yankee]

Well I am in southern Michigan and run a welding supply and fab shop. we sell steel so if you are in the area I can help you out.

 

[fwismoker]

Well I am in southern Michigan and run a welding supply and fab shop. we sell steel so if you are in the area I can help you out.

I'm down in Fort Wayne but thank you.  So how much should i pay for a thicker piece of say 2x2 ?   

 

[smoking yankee]

Well all depends if you can find a drop or if they have to cut it. Some shops charge alot to shear. I would sell some 3/4 no9 flat exp metal 2' x 2' cut for about 15 dollars. IF we could find a drop it would be 10 dollars. Hope this helps if you cant find it cheap let me know and maybe we could ups it to you.

 

[maple sticks]

I get my steel from small scrap yards. Have two in my area but you need to check daily because they cut it up and move it out daily. Of course being retired gives me lots of time for this. As mentioned drops from a fab shop is the next best.