I'm designing a piece of computer related furniture to be made primarily out of
rectangular steel tubing and I'd like to have a prototype made, to be followed
by small scale production on a monthly basis. I'd appreciate any advice on the
best (i.e. cheapest) way to go about this (e.g. sourcing the tubing and having
the fabrication, welding and finishing done myself, or contracting the whole
process out to a furniture manufacturer).

I've searched for ready made components, such as steel table legs, that I could
possibly use instead of having them built from scratch, but prices are quite
high. Does anyone know of a good source for such items? TIA.