I bought new steel and inmo I paid too much.
After I got stuck into the project, I found a scrap metal merchant where the metal on offer was much cheaper and a lot heavier.
Welding is definitely the way to go.
You might find scrap with a useable frame. A while ago, I was driving to work and a hospital was chucking out a fully adjustable hospital bed. I could have salvaged a heap out of that but I know my missus would have thrown a fit.
I reckon the base frame should cost you buttons. Its a pity for my pocket that I didn't learn that earlier.
Andy
Drat, imperfection has finally stopped working!!