Hi,

1) Went to buy some 25mm round steel bar today and 25mm ID steel tubing. Its sold in 16ft lengths and they said that I couldn't just buy 1 length of each, they have a minimum order of €100. At the moment I only need 6ft of bar and about 2ft of tubing. :(
Is this standard minimum order size/price normal for buying metal and if so why?

2) Can 1/2 inch ACME threaded rod be mail ordered online and if so from where?

Thanks all.

Welcome to the world of being a small company, small purchaser. It is very common to find minimum order requirements no matter what country you are in. Some entrepreneurial types turn this to their advantage by starting a business focussing on small volume orders. If you cannot find someone doing this in your area you may be stuck. An alternative is to find a machine shop or fabricating shop that will supply cut lengths.

I concur. Check with a local machine shop - they will charge a little more, but the outlay will be less than buying a bunch more than you need. I always buy full lengths - if I am using it now for something, I will likely find it handy later.

As far as the Acme screw - check www.mcmastercarr.com - they have an excellent selection and ship all over the place.

Scott

Thanks Geof. I might be able to do that. Theres a Metal Fabrication place near me. Any ideas on the ACME rod?

Edit: Thanks mxtras. I had this post up b4 I saw your reply. :)

Another question:

Which would be better in 1/2 ACME Rod for the solsylva machine?
1018 Carbon Steel
Heat-Treated 4140 Alloy Steel

I notice the heat treated is cheaper which seems strange...

The 4140 would be my choice - no doubt.

Either one needs corrosion protection - keep the entire length coated with at least a thin film of something - grease, oil, chicken feathers - anything that keeps moisture away from the surface. They seem to rust if you look at them wrong.

(just kidding about the chicken feathers....)

Scott

Diarmaid, I went to Metal supermarkets (Canadian company) and enquired the price of 4' 25mm 316 SS (I know I use both units...) the price.........£135 :eek: I ran away lol However if you have one in your neck of the woods give em a try hth

I get my acme from www.mscdirect.com A little cheaper than McMaster-Carr.

Hey Diarmaid check and see if you have any salvage yards around near you , once you find one you,ll feel like a kid in toy store. My local salvage yard the guys all know me as soon as I walk in, and its great, bad for them becuz its hard work, good for me becuz there is all kind of goodies, ya just have to search it out.