Newbie wanting to learn

Hi folks, I'm a newbie to scrap metal. Sold some ferrous stuff in the past but UK prices at the time not really worth the effort for the knowledge I had. Now into hobby welding and I love it. But new metal prices sometimes beyond my budget. Looking to help fund my hobby and learn a little along the way. Previous searches re metal brought me here so decided time to dive in. If I can help out too I'll be glad to do so. Ste

Hi and welcome to the forum from Las Vegas. If there is one thing that scrapping can certainly do, it's get you more material for your welding!

Thanks JJinLV. That's what I figured. Metal dealers near me vary a lot. There are dealers of new metals, very clean from the plant stuff, but price premium. Then there are new "but varying atmospheric rust" type dealers. Prices lower but recently introduced high surcharge unless buying lots, no good for the hobby guys. Surcharge sometimes more than cost of what I need. So I figure good scrap might supply my hobby and maybe a little extra if lucky. Ste

What sizes and metals are you looking for? Might be able to suggest some options

If you can find a "mom and pop" type of scrap yard, you can often buy from them if you offer enough to make it worth their time, but also save yourself some money.

Hi JJ and Ryan. I mostly use mild steel square section tube and angle iron for my projects. Made bed for my camper from ERW steel tho, 1.5mm wall. Really enjoyed working with that, intend to make gate from it in summer with wooden infill. I need to spend some time researching more local scrapyards. The one I did try was charging almost as much as new for angle tho, kind of put me off. Funny enough sheet metal not too expensive new, done a few small patches on my van, but I need practice on that, not great

You might have better luck trying to buy the scrap metal from machine shop or iron works. Buy their scrap stock and sell what you don't need to a scrapyard.