View Full Version : Where to buy Metal and Plastics?


DefiantK
03-22-2008, 06:48 AM
I'm having a hard time finding a source in Canada or will ship to Canada.
I need some aluminum,brass, stainless, acetal, acylic and teflon rods and sheets. I'm a home hobby machinist and only require small amounts.

I've check mcmaster-carr(no Canadian shipping) Smallparts(fedex only shipping) and ebay(rip-off...)

I'm near Windsor Ontario by the way.


Thanks Michale

denjo
03-22-2008, 08:21 AM
try metalsupermarkets, they're slow but could probably track down your needs

cyclestart
03-22-2008, 10:10 AM
Have you tried any local machineshops? Look for a shop that does mostly custom work. You'll pick up on their attitude towards hobbiests pretty quickly. If they show no interest in serving you, walk out the door.

I've lucked into a shop that finds my projects interesting (or maybe comical :) ). Walked out several doors before finding these guys.

ger21
03-22-2008, 10:45 AM
I know crossing the border is a pain now, but there's a metal supermarket about 30 minutes from the bridge in Livonia, MI.


Edit: They have one in London too, and maybe closer.
http://www.metalsupermarkets.com/MSC-storefinder.aspx?map=ONTARIO&REGION=ON

tcat 9
04-01-2008, 12:39 PM
If you haven't found a source for your material, you should call metal supermarket and ask for Paulette. The phone number is 1-800-759-1743.

DefiantK
04-07-2008, 08:23 AM
Thanks everyone. Found a source for the metals now just need to find a place for the plastics.

cyclestart
04-07-2008, 08:31 AM
For some of the items on that list a large supplier might be the only option. For routine metals, such as aluminum, searching locally has it's benefits.

Case in point #2. I recently bought some metal from a local shop, a few miles closer than the one mentioned in the previous post. I got a tour of the shop, a lot of good advice, and some info about an upcoming machinist/hobby show. It turns out the shop owner has a hobby shop in his basement. Before I left the owner apologized for taking so much of my time!

Don't overlook the local option.

Edit/ LOL, you posted while I was typing in slomo.

DefiantK
04-07-2008, 08:39 AM
Honestly other than the metal supermarkets mentioned I don't know any local suppliers. I checked 2 different phone books and nothing.

Chuck Reamer
04-07-2008, 08:59 AM
I buy a lot more plastic than steel or aluminum, Try Johnston plastics or Redwood plastics. I have both of them here in Edmonton, but Redwood is about 30% cheaper in price.

There is a Johnston in Toronto if that helps, Redwood is only west side of the country.

tcat 9
04-07-2008, 09:46 AM
Thanks everyone. Found a source for the metals now just need to find a place for the plastics.

Try GE polymer @ 1-800-565-7724

jeff

jamesl
04-09-2008, 08:24 PM
I get all my plastics from PA Plastics in Hamilton.

corrie
05-31-2008, 07:41 PM
Try www.abilitymetals.com ,they are located in Ajax just outside of toronto east. They are cheaper than metal super market.