Where to buy steel tubing in PDX, and where to learn how to weld?

I need to re-build the load bars on my utility trailer, as my original plan didn't really work out as I wanted.

I'm looking for a place in PDX where I can buy some round or square metal tubing and either have welded together with supports, or learn to weld them myself.

Any advice on where in PDX  I can buy round or square metal tubing for such a job?  My cross bars need to be 65", but I'm not sure if I should use 1" or 1 1/4" or larger.  Supports will be spaced at 52" and be about 24" tall.  supporting 2 Outbacks upside down.

Also, are there any places where someone can learn the welding basics?  Seems like a pretty valuable skill to learn.  I thought about PCC, but their classes don't start until January.  The welding machines at Harbor Freight look tempting, but I'm not sure where to start.

Thanks.

Well you stepped in it now! Welding is a skill you learn and need to keep practiced at to be any good at. The wire feed machines can make a novice get better looking welds but not proper penetration. For something like load bars I would seek assistance with welding or find another way to attach them such as clamping versus welding. You can learn different aspects welding, but there are soooo many types, methods and variables! What type of welder, size and type of rod/wire you use, current and feed rate, flux, gas assist, the list goes on...Other than that its, practice, practice practice.

The diameter of the tubing you choose can be relative to the wall thickness of the tubing. Without doing the engineering calculations for load strength, you will likely just overbuild it than going with what is marginal. For example- you may get away with using regular EMT conduit from any local Lowes, Home Depot, etc. if supported correctly. But without seeing or getting a better understanding of your design build, I'm sure just schedule 40 plumbing pipe would serve your purpose that would have a heavier wall thickness than conduit. This would be the most cost effective over buying structural steel tubing. My personal preference is square tubing over round though and I went 1-1/2 and is way overbuilt. I get my steel discount through my work also. You can surely find a steel supplier in Portland by letting the internet search be your friend. Don't forget the recycle and scrap yards too! Scrap steel prices are in the toilet right now and you can probably find quality remnants cheap!

Thank you for the advice.  It sounds like I will seek assistance with the welding, as I need it to be done right for safety sake.

I've tried to find metal suppliers on the web, and found a few, but would rather go through a scrap yard, and save a few bucks.  Are there any you could recommend?

Thanks again for the help.

Welding does require a lot of practice. If you just want to learn how to weld you can take a welding class at PCC. They also let you work on a project of your choosing. When I did it, they held the classes at Glencoe High School, it was fun. I think it was around 125 for the class. This would probably be the least cost effective way to get the job done but you'll come away with being able to weld.

This won't help you unless you make it over to the east side frequently, but Clackamas Steel just off Hwy 212 has a decent selection of structural steel at what seems like reasonable cost. This is where my buddy gets most of his steel for projects at work (facility supervisor) and where I got my steel when I modified a trailer.

They also have a super deadly scrap yard. I never leave that place unscathed! 

Wait for Insayn to wake up, he will have all the answers and probably offer to help. A couple of weeks ago he made my HF trailer "stick its tongue out". [emoji12]

I often get bit by the DIY bug including doing all the needed welding for my own trailer project.   It is amazing how many great you tube videos are out there that can take you through all the steps of welding 101.  They even show you how to cut down your welds to evaluate how your doing. Several of the videos look to have been for educational / certification courses. 

 

This won't help you unless you make it over to the east side frequently, but Clackamas Steel just off Hwy 212 has a decent selection of structural steel at what seems like reasonable cost. This is where my buddy gets most of his steel for projects at work (facility supervisor) and where I got my steel when I modified a trailer.

They also have a super deadly scrap yard. I never leave that place unscathed! 

Best I have found as well. I will be swinging in there soon to get some aluminum plate. Its CSM or Clackamas Scrap Metal.  https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Tigard,+OR/''/@45.4130556,-122.6155064,13z/am=t/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x549507e27714087d:0xdb7e6d4c2db4885f!2m2!1d-122.7714861!2d45.4312294!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0xb0e5965ae47a7f24!2m2!1d-122.5594471!2d45.4066163