Time for an update... Since September I've been in off-and-on discussions with a local machine shop. They knew they would be forced to move, but held out hope the new property owners would be good enough to stay for another couple of years.
(this is the shop I got Tom Kitta a FREE 22" X 80" 10HP lathe)
I offered to buy the stock that was on their rack they haven't used in a long time, and would rather not move to the new digs. I named a budget, and said let's pile it up until you think it is right for the budget. I specifically asked for a 24' 4 X 6 X 3/16 I beam that has been at the side of the building for about 8 years now. After it was piled up, I agreed to pay him the price, and he kept piling on more after the deal was done, including 20+ feet of 416 stainless rod 3/4" in diameter (!).
The first installment of the steel as featured in post #132. It totaled about 700 lbs of msc steel. I had offered to add some more money if they had another pile, but they called me back and said take anything in that pile over *there*... (for free) Many thanks to
@Crosche who, at last minute, came and helped me lift the heavier pieces! Here is Part 2:
The two tubes at the right are 6' X 5" X 1/2" wall... 150 lbs each! All in all, about another 600 lbs - I may well have a steel give-away coming up soon!
*** The Best news is *** they are going to put a box near their door at the new location, for CHMW members to pick when they accumulate enough cut offs. A great day indeed! Time to make a new rack for the stuff I want to keep!