Your local scrap dealer is a possible source for raw materials. This rack at the metal dealer in Escondido, CA is neater and better organized than many. Some materials are color coded, but codes can vary from company to company, so it can be hard to be sure exactly what you are getting unless the mill's grade markings are still on the pieces. You may also have to bring your own hacksaw to cut material to size. Now specialty web sites and mail order companies offer a better way for the hobbyist to buy raw materials in small quantities. (Photo: P. Weiss)
Finding sources for tiny fasteners and small quantities of the materials you need to build your projects used to be a problem. If you needed a few small stainless steel screws, you had to buy a box of 100. If you needed a foot of a particular kind and shape of metal, the "cutting charges" could run far more material than you needed from a major metal supplier. Either that or you could rummage through the bins at your local scrap metal dealer in hopes of finding what you need. Now there are a number of places that allow you can shop by phone or directly on-line and get just exactly what you need delivered to your door, FAST! Here are some places that make purchasing just what is on your materials list an easy task.
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Small Parts Inc. offers one of the most complete catalogs of engineering findings you will come across anywhere. They offer metal and plastic raw materials, fittings, fasteners, lubricants, sealants and tools. Plus, they specialize in the small end of the size scale—perfect for use with Sherline tools. You can visit their site by clicking on the logo at the left or call (800) 220-4242 to order. Their e-mail address is smlparts@smallparts.com. You will definitely want to order their catalog and keep it handy on your workbench for future reference on all your projects |
| Aircraft modeler Ken Foran uses a lot of special brass shapes for his models. He recommends this company as having come through with material he couldn't find elsewhere. Located at 6911 W.59th Street, Chicago, IL 60638 you can reach them by phone at 800-51-SHAPE or 773-229-0740 or FAX 773-229-0476. Their web site is http://www.specialshapes.com/default.asp. | |
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Online Metals offers a great selection of metal and plastic shapes. There is no cutting charge, no minimum order and orders go out within 24 hours. To check out the selection or to order, click on the link to the left. (To return here, just use your "back" arrow.) |
| microfasteners.com | Here is another provider of small nuts, bolts, screws, rivets and other fasteners that you might want to add to your list of resources: http://microfasteners.com You can download their entire catalog, and they will sell in small quantities. |
| metalmart.com | Metalmart.com. claims to offer 5000 shapes and grades with no minimum, free cutting, fast delivery and special orders available. They have a "Technical Guide" section to help you select the proper metal for your project and a "Metal Shop" section with photos of projects and some "shop talk". They also sell metal in "value packs" of 36" lengths. |
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metalbythefoot.com |
METAL by the FOOT, Inc. offers aluminum, brass and steel. They are located at 2700 E. Truman Road, Kansas City, MO 64127 and their phone number is (816) 241-5550. Ask for Bill or Andy Heinz. |
| Metal Buyer's Mart | Metal Buyer's Mart is a great source for materials for your projects. You can buy as much or as little as you need, unlike some large commercial suppliers who require a hefty minimum purchase. |
| machinist-materials.com | Machinist-Materials specializes in low prices. They can save you 30-50% of new material by buying their stock as drop-offs from machine shops and production facilities. They claim to offer the lowest prices on the net if they have what you need. In addition to metals, they offer a good selection of plastics too. Check out their site at http://www.machinist-materials.com or e-mail them at john@machinist-materials.com. Their main office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and they have a warehouse open to the public in Largo, FL. Call them at 1-866-MACH-MAT or (866) 622-4628. |
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Bohne Metal Sales is a small quantity steel service center.
They offer Aluminum, Carbon and Alloy products, Brass and more. They also
specialize in the "hard-to-find items". They offer free cutting, have no
minimum order and provide "fast, friendly service." Most orders ship the
same or next day. Walk-in customers are welcome. They also offer metal
packs in 12, 24, or 36" lengths. Call for details or stop by. Their
address is W239 N332 Pewaukee Road, Waukesha, WI 53188. Phone: 262-544-1018 Fax: 262-544-9618 |
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ASAP Source sells metal in small quantities for home machinists. In this case "ASAP" stands for Aluminum, Steel And Plastics Source. The cover of their brochure says "Small Orders Welcome", which is exactly what you hobbyists will want to hear. They are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and their phone number is (734) 213-2727. Here's a photo of their booth at the 2004 NAMES show where they offer a great selection of materials. |
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Our RESOURCES PAGE page has a number of items that might be of interest to you. We have collected a lot of useful and interesting information for machinists in one place. Give it a try.
