I don't have pictures and (right now) everything is buried behind the current project, but I use several solutions. My
baseline is a triangular frame made from 1 X 2 boards that allows me to lean (up to) 8 foot long pieces of bar, rod, and angle in sections (similar to
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/JARKE-Bar-Storage-Rack-Shelves-Only-4UK82?Pid=search). Beware of making them too big as: (A) they become a real pain moving pieces around to access and (B) they become too heavy on one side and tip. The areas between the "triangles" get shelves for smaller pieces (though keeping the sides free for access can be a problem).
I have several racks made up from left-over PVC pipe that allow me to store short pieces (3 feet in length or less). Various sizes of pipe (picked up for free at construction sites) make the storage holes. Lengths from (about) 2 feed down to (about) 4 inches provide a quick visual access to things stored. The "short pipes" go on the outside of the unit mounted to wooden shelves with pivots so I can look straight down the pipe to see what's there. I notch the base ends sufficiently so I can reach a finger in to push out the part I want. They get mounted on casters so I can move them around (lesson learned from the
Mark I version).
I also used the cheap particle board bookcases for storing small pieces of plate. Each shelf has an ID on it for the material/alloy (etc.) so I can limit my digging. These are currently bolted to walls, but I think that mounting them on casters in a "back-to-back" arrangement might be better (subject to trial) as they regularly get buried behind projects and become a PITA to access. Obviously, a "back-to-back" arrangement will need a "separator" between the cases.
I have yet to find a good system for storing sheet-type materials. The 12 X 4 foot sheets of material (UHMW, ABS, etc.) are far from trivial to deal with. My
best to date solution is a pair of (15°) tapered bases that support the material length-wise allowing me to "tip out" to sheets that are "on top" and slide the one I want out sideways. However, this requires keeping the "side" clear for access -- not something that works out well over time.
I admit I am a wuss. I deburr
everything going into storage. I
hate getting
burr-cut! Additionally, I
wax all my (non-scale coated) steel and iron for storage. Treewax wooden floor wax works well. If you ever read
Sometimes a Great Notion you will know how quickly things rust here in the pacific northwest of America. Waxing solves that problem. (Though, when I store project parts made from steel or iron during process, I spray them with oil and wrap them in saran wrap -- it cleans up more easily.) (Also, muriatic acid and one of the long shallow plastic storage containers works quite well for removing scale from HRS stock for those knowledgeable and comfortable working with acid. About 15 minutes of "dip" (I use small diameter PVC pipe as a "stand-off" in the "tank") followed by a dusting of baking soda and a thorough water rinse -- followed by a quick waxing does wonders.)
Hopefully this helps. I will try to get some pictures after the current machine build project is cleared out. My shop fits nicely in 2500 sq ft and it is currently crammed into 880 sq ft. Every task starts with the
how do I clear out the space I need confusion...