Where do you get aluminum stock?

[slashmaster]

I was just looking up blank aluminum stock at Radford brothers and Grainger. I'm disappointed to see it's a lot more expensive than I thought. Does anyone know a way to get it cheaper? Or a way I can find it cheap? Why is this stuff so expensive anyway? Other aluminum things like fold up chairs or bikes with aluminum frames seem very cheap compared to raw aluminum stock.

[cmnewcomer]

Try http://www.onlinemetals.com/.

[stevespo]

Yes, I've been very happy with onlinemetals.com. eBay is another option. You should definitely check locally. There may be a metal supplier nearby, or you could ask at a local machine shop, welding fabricator, etc. Here in eastern MA (USA), there is Admiral in Woburn who has offcuts and odd pieces that they sell very reasonably (by the pound). No shipping charges either.

Steve

[slashmaster]

Thanks Steve, I'm not real far from Woburn, How big and thick are these pieces they are selling and how much for?

Originally Posted by stevespo Yes, I've been very happy with onlinemetals.com. eBay is another option. You should definitely check locally. There may be a metal supplier nearby, or you could ask at a local machine shop, welding fabricator, etc. Here in eastern MA (USA), there is Admiral in Woburn who has offcuts and odd pieces that they sell very reasonably (by the pound). No shipping charges either. Steve

[mc-motorsports]

I buy from a local supplier, but google "Yarde Drop Zone", usually pretty cheap! I've never bought from them, but if it's hobby or a small job, probably worth looking into.

MC

[stevespo]

slashmaster, they have thousands of pieces to choose from. A lot of it is extruded stock in many thicknesses. They also have rod, bar, and precision plate. If you don't find it in the outlet area, they can cut whatever you need from their standard stock. A little tricky to find the first time, but worth the trip.

http://www.admiralmetals.com/Metalwe...tlet_store.jsp

Steve

[PhoenixMetal]

My favorite source is speedymetals.com . I've found their prices to be great, they're quick and responsive to email questions (and live online chat), and most of all, they really are really damn fast at cutting things to size and shipping. I've bought from other sources before, including onlinemetals.com, however I have found speedymetals to be better.

[DISCONNECTED]

Try enco.com for rounds and flat stock.Generally have this stuff on sale.I have been ordering from them for years and they always email me monthy coupons for free shipping if I spend over $50 bucks.I have tried onlinemetals before(way to expensive with shipping).

[DISCONNECTED]

Plus enco.com has quantity discounts.

[dielectric]

Somehow I got lucky and found some good local sources. I made nice with a couple of the recyclers in the area for when I don't care so much about knowing exactly what I'm getting. I also like www.fortal.biz, as it turns out that the guy lives about a mile from me so I can pick it up. He even let me rifle through the stock, really nice guy. Fortal aluminum machines really nicely and apparently is strong enough to build race engine valve train parts. I'm also a quick drive from Speedy Metals, which is just awesome.