where to get cardboard backers

[tacticalpanda]

I am starting to run out of old boxes to cut up. I'm curious if you guys pay for cardboard backers (I use mainly 24x48) or where to look for old cardboard. I know I'm being cheap but the cheapest I've found is $0.71 each. Anywhere you go to get old boxes for free?

 

[Jig Stick]

find your local homedepot and head to the loading dock. they are more than happy to give card board away.

 

[memilanuk]

A friend of mine works in the auto industry... when we needed big (6'x6') backers for rebuilding NRA HP Rifle targets, he came up with a great idea: go find an auto body shop. The big boxes that quarter panels and such come in are pretty honkin' big when you open them up and flatten them out. A big body shop like at a dealership may have a recycle area where they stack all these boxes up waiting for a recycling contractor to come pick them up. If you ask nicely, they'll probably let you go pick thru 'em for what you need.

 

[mark5pt56]

Try a window or glass shop also, I bet some of these places would be happy for you to take the trash from them, saves work.

 

[M1Amen]

Bicycle shops often have the huge cartons that bikes come in. They are nice and long and can be opened up to make even longer backers.

 

[Supergyro]

At my work, they have huge cardboard cartons that hold plastic pellets for molding. They're big enough to get two targets per side, and the company couldn't be happier to give them away.

 

[Rev2218]

Grocery stores and appliance (Sears, etc) stores are great for those.

 

[tacticalpanda]

Thanks guys. All great ideas. Will start making some phone calls soon.

 

[topgun99]

Another option is if you know any local political candidates who are not running for re-election or just want to clear out old signs. The signs are made of corrugated plastic and will last alot longer as well as obviously be weather resistant.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

another +1 for the 'election sign' suggestion. As it is, I have as many and as large of signs possible, put up in my yard. The night of the vote, they get removed anyways, so it's a win/win situation for both of us. They get the advertisement, and we get the backers.

Cut them up to fit the collapsible and portable target frames, and they're golden for a long time. Simply because the other dickheads at the range around here, prefer to actually shoot the target frames to 'see' the effect of their sks bullets and the "devastation" that they portray.

The corrugated plastic works fantastic, and lasts surprisingly long.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Hit up local garage door companies too, I used to work for one and door panels generally come in wrapped in cardboard, sometimes with some in between for padding. The cardboard is typically 8-9 feet long and up to 2' wide so they're perfect for making target backers. I reckon I'll never run out of target backers with the amount that I have now. When I was there we'd just bring the stuff back from jobs until we had a nice pile to take to recycling so I imagine most other companies would be more than happy to give it away.

 

[Flying Goose]

my personal favorite is costco first thing in the am the bakery has TONS of great sized boxes

 

[tacticalpanda]

Thanks again. I kind of like the electoral signs. Seems like they will hold up best. Probably will do a little of each.