[sokoloff]

I think you’re far better off with black pipe or rigid metal conduit than EMT (thinner conduit which is not even allowed to support a light or outlet per the electrical code).

Black pipe is still pretty cheap and way stronger than EMT.

[convolvatron]

actual structural steel round and square tube in 20' sections from a steel supplier isn't any more expensive than black pipe and is stronger and considerably easier to work with (no paint, less grainy). you can also make your own fittings since the right tube sizes are nesting. I do 1" square and clamps made out of 1-1/4" with 1/8" wall. that is quite a bit stronger than emt for maybe 20% additional cost.

[sokoloff]

All true; as a DIYer, it's a damn lot easier to buy pipe from Home Depot or Lowes than chase down the local steel supplier and figure out how to either get 20' lengths of tubing home or deal with asking them to cut it for what they know is a grand total of two tubes ever in your lifetime as a customer.

[convolvatron]

the places I go they don't mind if you bring a portaband or a cut off wheel and spend a couple minutes in their yard. actually the place I often go has a chop saw out front. delivery in the city is $20. another place is happy to do cuts for $5, but you have to not mind waiting around for them to get to it.