Odd sized angle iron

[Gary Reif]

Has anyone noticed angle iron to be odd sized lately? I don't make a habit of checking dimensions when we get a shipment in but it was brought to my attention this week. Since I maintain the inventory of steel at work. One of the guys asked where I was getting the odd sized iron. So I go measure some of the angle. The 1-1/2x1-1/2x1/4 measured 1.436x1.520 or so, and the 2x2x1/4 was like 1.980x2.015 or so. I do know we have got some from a different scource at times. This can be quite an issue if you are not aware of the difference. Seems like when I usually measure with a tape in the past while building a stand or something it was a lot closer then that.
Is this some second steel or what?
Thank for any thoughts on this.
Gary

[CCWKen]

I don't know where your supplier is getting theirs but mine comes from Mexico or Turkey. That may be the reason for the odd sizes but mine stuff has been pretty close. I'd tell the supplier to come pick up HIS scrap or make a discounted offer. Check the weight of a section and if it doesn't match up, tell them to come and get it.

[bob101]

That's well within mill tolerances. Structural steel is not that exact. There are acceptable limits for sweep/bow/thickness/ and differences in the L size and those are well within those.

Put a mic on plate and you'll see a big difference from coil to coil - or even one end of the coil to the next.

[wierdscience]

You wouldn't believe some of the stuff that comes in from the mills.

We had 8" channel that measured 7-1/2" on one end and 8-1/4" on the other,3x3x1/4 angle that measured 3x3 on each end,but 2-3/4x3 in the middle.
It's normal for angle to be +/-1/16",that's why the art of structural steel layout exists,thats also why you layout from the heel of the angle and not the edge.

[Leigh]

The 1-1/2x1-1/2x1/4 measured 1.436x1.520 or so, and the 2x2x1/4 was like 1.980x2.015 or so.

And what tolerance is specified on your Purchase Order?

If, as I suspect, there is none, then the vendor can provide whatever he chooses.