Big $$$ problem for some beginners - sourcing materials

You can also check out local auctions. Up here in MN we have several online auction houses that specialize in machine shops. I also go to local farm auctions and many farmers have a repair shop with scrap metal. I would guess there are lots of farmers in Nebraska too. :))
 
Have you guys used Amazon supply? With Prime membership you get free shipping. I compare costs from McMaster, OnlineMetals, and Amazon supply.

Check this one out in particular:

http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Round-Sample-Temper-Length/dp/B000HKGABG

I was disappointed with Online Metals the time I ordered. I saved a few bucks on some material vs McMaster, shipping put the order at about the same price, and it took about 10 days to receive vs McMaster taking ONE.

Check out the amazon link though.
 
Jon K said:
Have you guys used Amazon supply? With Prime membership you get free shipping. I compare costs from McMaster, OnlineMetals, and Amazon supply.

Check this one out in particular:

http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Round-Sample-Temper-Length/dp/B000HKGABG

I was disappointed with Online Metals the time I ordered. I saved a few bucks on some material vs McMaster, shipping put the order at about the same price, and it took about 10 days to receive vs McMaster taking ONE.

Check out the amazon link though.
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That's interesting. I hadn't thought to even look on amazon.com even though they get a lot of business from out house.

Thanks,

-Ron
 
The title of this post suggests saving $$$$. Sending them to McMaster-Carr isn't the inexpensive way to go IMO.

Even Lowes, HD and TSC prices are higher than local metal yards, which are in every town and city in the US.

Also, i use Enco (when shipping is free). To answer the original post title, those are the places I suggest unless you just have a lot of money to burn.

Amazon seems to be a good bet too. I bought an angle plate from Amazon 6X6" for around $30. The cost of the metal alone and the cost to weld it in stick and time would have exceeded the price of the nicely done ready made angle plate, which I'm not using for a lathe milling attachment.

DaveV
 
SE18 said:
The title of this post suggests saving $$$$. Sending them to McMaster-Carr isn't the inexpensive way to go IMO.

Even Lowes, HD and TSC prices are higher than local metal yards, which are in every town and city in the US.

Also, i use Enco (when shipping is free). To answer the original post title, those are the places I suggest unless you just have a lot of money to burn.

Amazon seems to be a good bet too. I bought an angle plate from Amazon 6X6" for around $30. The cost of the metal alone and the cost to weld it in stick and time would have exceeded the price of the nicely done ready made angle plate, which I'm not using for a lathe milling attachment.

DaveV
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You're right but remember we're hobbyists per the website title :)

I called a local metal yard looking for some 1.5" x 1.5" 1018 ~0.083" wall material and they would only sell it to me in 20 - 25' ft lengths on a straight truck that I would provide or would cut it at like $6 - 8 a cut. By time I was done, I could buy and have delivered by mcmaster in 6' lengths for about 30% less. Sure if you swing by and are buddies with a yard they can give you scrap or hook you up, but if you call and say Hi I am Jon K and I don't have a business account but I need metal they act like you're out of your mind.

In my experience, at least.
 
Sorry. I wrote: "which I'm not using for a lathe milling attachment."

Meant to say: "which I'm now using..."

McMaster-Carr, to say something positive, does seem to have just about everything and anything you'll ever need in one place. And, their website is outstanding. They offer a lot of explanations of stuff there. And, quality is finest. Never heard anything bad said about their products.

Dave
 
SE18 said:
McMaster-Carr, to say something positive, does seem to have just about everything and anything you'll ever need in one place. And, their website is outstanding. They offer a lot of explanations of stuff there. And, quality is finest. Never heard anything bad said about their products.

Dave
Click to expand...

That and if their shipping was any faster I'd get my stuff before I ordered it. Certainly not the cheapest place to get stuff but still one of the best places I've dealt with.

-Ron
 
I never thought of my car dealer as a source for steel until I neglected to have my rear axle lubricant changed. However I came away from the repair with a couple nice pieces of tough steel about 42" long and 7/8" diameter. Not bad for $1300.00! In the future I don't plan to source my steel in such a way, but there can be some decent metal sent to dumpsters in auto, tractor and truck repair shops.
Michael
 
One "source" that I would like to look in to (I have no contacts there so not sure how one would proceed) is the Union Pacific Railroad yards in Omaha. I don't know just what they might have but there almost has to be some kind of scrap steel around there.

-Ron
 
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