I wanted to do a project for my utility trailer (I am a FLEDGLING welder). Picked out my materials, and they told me the quote was good for 48hrs!...lol Steel pricing is pretty volatile again, huh? Anyways....a buddy (He's a tile guy by profession....but a very capable welder) and I got started yesterday......and finished, this morning. Still have to do some grinding (burrs/welds); clean the metal; paint/ install......but, I'm tickled with how it turned out.
GMMAT, I sell industrial equipment such as steel shelving, steel pallet rack, mezzanines, conveyors, and most things made from steel. I'ts getting to the point like it was a few years ago, when I can quote a customer, then I have to tell him that if you want to order tommorrow, I need to requote it tommorrow. We have been getting hit on all sides with prices increases on anything that is made from steel.
I remember when the Chinese bought up all the scrap ('03-'04?). Getting steel bids from fabricators was a chore. We had to put clauses in all our bids to cover increases. It was a tough time to build.
Yep, steel prices and availability are getting silly again. I just hope it doesn't end up like it did in 2008 when they pulled the rug out from under us and sent us into the recession. I'm only ordering what I need and no more. Project looks pretty good by the way.
One of my clients is a large port on the MS River. I was there about a month ago and there must have been a 2 mile long line of semi trucks backed up hauling junk steel. That only happens when prices are high. The next week, there were no trucks to be found. The volatility of those prices is crazy.
Are you mounting that on the wall of the utility trailer? Thats a really good idea, we should have done that with our construction utility trailer at work. Looks good by the way
My trailer is 6'8"W. The new rack is the width of the trailer and 18" (inside) deep. I'm just going to sit it on the front of the trailer and thru-bolt it down (the top rail and the frame for the basket are both 2" angle). I'll lose a little Space up front. But, for the use I'm after for this trailer, that won't matter. The doors will open to the outside of the trailer. It'll just be cool to secure everything I carry, when I'm away from it. I'll post up a photo, when I'm finished.
Good times to be in the scrap business.... The guys around here are rollin' brand new diesels and making a killing.
Jeff that turned out great and is a good idea,,i like it! I dont know much about the price of steel jumping up and down, I work with it alot but just dont have to buy it. I was a certified welder years back in several different kinds of steel using Mig, Tig and stick. Since im back in the mechanical department they have told me they may want me to recertify again,, hey its more $$$ :D
Not that new, GFY. I've been at it for several months, now. This rack will buy me some peace of mind, and I'll be able to put signage on the sides. I hope it's something I can transition my son into, one day.
I would be, too. That basket - $244 (materials - only - Steel, not icluding fasteners). We had very little waste and very little left over.
Yes, it's getting nuts. I market and sell these things http://portabletrafficsignalstss.com/ I also order over 75 parts for them. Steel is NOT getting better. Along with everything else!
Looks nice! I just added a similar rack to my 22' tilt trailer. I'll have to snap a picture and post it. Mine includes a lockable, aluminum chest in the middle.
Work with steel everyday, from 27 gauge to 11 gauge. The prices are very unstable and we own a few mills. it all started when China bought all the steel up preparing for the olympics. On a side note, that looks great Jeff.
