Differences in aluminum

[Hack]

Was looking to pick up some aluminum off of ebay for a couple of hobby projects and was going to use 6061 but noticed some good deals on some 5052. What are the differences if any? Will be milling on a HF minimill if it matters.

Thanks

[wms]

5052 comes in differing tempers IE h32..but even the hardest of 5052 in still quite gummy to machine.more of a fabricating aluminum...I'd got with the 6061..plus it is stronger too boot.

But note that 6061 also comes in different tempers..O, T4, T6 or T6511...O is gummy too, T4 is not to bad to machine, with T6 or T6511 the best.

[Cold Fusion]

5052 is evil stuff to machine! Stick with 6061 and you'll be glad you did.

[DareBee]

I agree with WMS. 5052 is a fabricating grade, not nice to machine at all. This material is about half price to 6061 if you want to save a few bucks and dont mind sub-par machinability.

[kong]

Hey guys, how come we don't have that over here? Well, I guess you can get it, but I have not found it! I use 6082, which is a close equivalent to 6061, and far more common in the UK.

[DareBee]

I havnt heard of 6082, it doesnt show up in my standard materials book either (NA standards I guess). Most all of our barstock and shapes come standard as 6061 T6 and standard (common) utility grade for fabricating is 3003.