Ready to burn steel - need welding supplies

[rsharpnm]

After welding up a pretty functional front bumper a couple years ago, I'm about ready to put together a rear bumper.

Do you guys have any sources for some welding supplies? Specifically, I need to source a 2" receiver tube and a couple of good shackle tabs. I might also look at a pivot post/bearing for the tire carrier.

I've found a couple of places online, but I can't seem to get everything from one place.

 

[Explorer]

If you have a Tractor Supply store near you, I know they have the receiver tubes in different lenghts. That will at least save some shipping charges.

 

[rsharpnm]

If you have a Tractor Supply store near you, I know they have the receiver tubes in different lenghts. That will at least save some shipping charges.

Nah, we don't have a Tractor Supply here... maybe they have a web site. I'll take a look... Thanks for the advice!

 

[ransil]

etrailer.com has receiver stuff, do you have a steel supplier in town that would be your best option.

 

[rsharpnm]

etrailer.com has receiver stuff, do you have a steel supplier in town that would be your best option.

We have a couple of steel shops in town, but they seem to only sell stock steel (tubing, bar, pipe, etc.). I have found receiver tubes online, and I have found shackle tabs on line... but never all in one place! I prefer to get it all in one place, but then again, I prefer expensive microbrews, too. We can't always get what we want!

MalWart has three aisles of plastic flowers, but not a single piece of welding stock. I weep for mankind.

 

[gddyap]

You can use 2.5" x .25" wall square tube. Depending on the d-ring size, just cut some flat stock and drill a hole. I used a D44 hub/spindle for my tire carrier hinge.

 

[TN1776]

McMaster.com has hitch tube complete with the reinforced end. That is where I got mine.

 

[gddyap]

There's a HarborFreight in Las Cruces:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97095

or

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97093

 

[rsharpnm]

There's a HarborFreight in Las Cruces:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97095

or

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97093

Excellent! I didn't know Harbor Freight had these (you'd think I would, as often as I go down there). I'll check it out this week!

Thanks for all the great suggestions, everybody. Now... who has a good Miller 220 welder for free? ;D