[TheForge] Source of junkyard hardenable-steel pipe.

[Bruce .]

No blacksmithing content, but it *is* about steel...

I'd like to get some steel pipe on the cheap for a project I'm
contemplating:

   - The final dimensions aren't set yet, so anything about 1.5" (actual) OD
   or more would do for the prototype.  I could envision a final design of
   up to 8" OD, but that's a long way in the future and not worth dealing with
   for prototyping.  Meanwhile, anything in between is worth considering.
   - The wall thickness must be sufficient to accommodate significant
   machining of the ID and OD.  (E.g., schedule 80 might do.  Schedule 40
   would not do.)  For a 1.5" (actual) OD pipe, a 1/4" wall would probably be
   fine.
   - I need only a few inches length -- maybe 3X the OD of the pipe -- but
   I may need to have several goes at it in fabricating a prototype, so I'd
   probably consume a lot more than that before I get it right.
   - It must be machinable (after normalizing, if necessary) as it has to
   be turned and drilled during fabrication.
   - It must be of a hardenable alloy -- think: suitable for a knife.
   - Some rust resistance would be desirable, as it is to be used in a
   (noncorrosive) wet environment, but this is not essential.
   - I'd prefer seamless pipe, but could accommodate any good-quality pipe,
   if I can machine off any weld bead.


Ultimately, I'd expect to purchase this pipe from some retail supplier, but
for my initial prototype I'd like to scavenge junkyard steel or else
purchase something on the cheap, as I'm probably going to have to fab
several prototypes before I get anything workable.

Can anyone think of a possible source (junkyard or steel supplier) for such
pipe?

I'm thinking that the cylinder piston for a large hydraulic cylinder
(possibly available as junkyard steel) might do, but I have no idea what
alloy is used for that and whether it be hardenable.  It's conceivable that
some ordinary pipe (maybe cold-drawn seamless?) would do, but, again, I
have no info on alloy or hardenability.

Bruce
NJ