Stock Storage

[KC2IXE]

Like many semi pro/home shops, I'm accumulating a PILE of stock, more than I EVER figured I would. Heck, I just ordered a BUNCH of stuff I don't really need from OMM simply because the minimum shipping seems to be $25 or so, so I might as well add in a bunch of stuff I MIGHT need in the near future (no 1" square brass up on eBay - I need LESS than 2 inches, and everyone else wants to sell 6 ft)

Anyway, I started sorting through my metal tubes, and came up with an few issues - the main one being is that once the stock gets SHORT, it is very hard to find in the tube. Real short, I have a bucket, but it's in that 2-4 ft long area that is a dog. The cut down 6 ft long tubes (I cut them to about 4 ft or so) standing vertically tend to eat small stock

Any ideas for COMPACT storage?

 

[gadget_lover]

For 6 inch or shorter (mostly drops) I have a flat tray on the shelf under the lathe. I always forget to label the alloy when I put them in there.

For the next size up, coffee cans on end.

For a few feet, inside 3 or inch diameter tubes that are mounted between the gorilla racks and the exposed studs.

Long sticks ( from 1 x 1/4 strap to 4 x 6 bars ) are stored on end against various walls and cabinets.

It's not elegant but I often find what I'm looking for in minutes. Even so, I occasionally feel I should run down to the metal supply shop for some steel plate to add to my stacks, just in case it's needed.

Dan

 

[KC2IXE]

OK - the coffee can step is missing, and as I have a finished basement, I came up with "buckets filled with the ends of tubes" for the few feet to 6 ft on smaller stuff - BIG stuff, is usually shorts for me, and go on a shelf with plate, but still not 100% happy. I guess it's a common problem, just looking for "a better idea"