Finding materials

[Chucketn]

Materials cost is constantly going up. Scrap yards are increasingly becoming unfriendly places for the hobby machinist. I am soon retiring, and have a question for the members.
What common scrap sources do you have for materials like stainless, cast iron, free machining steel, brass or aluminum? I don’t mean cutoffs from the local machine shop, there aren’t many local machine shops left. I mean what can I look for in finding cast iron for engine cylinders? What has stainless steel big enough for a flywheel? For example: There is a heavy Equipment repair shop down the road from me, and another that I pass on the way to work (for a few more months). What might they have to scrap/throw away that I could use?
My favorite sources? I never turn away an inkjet printer, they have nice shafting, gears, and some sheet metal. I have gotten several treadmills from Freecycle that had good heavy motors and controllers.

Chuck in E. TN

 

[irishwoodsman]

lifting weights are a good cast iron:biggrin:

 

[Chucketn]

I spent a bit of time today, researching various online metal sellers. I've found Speedy Metals to have everything I could need, and the most reasonable in price, though I did not check shipping.

Chuck in E. TN

 

[irishwoodsman]

i order stuff from speedy metals, i just got some bar stock from then monday, shipping is not bad plus they will combine on shipping to:biggrin:

 

[Tony Wells]

I've never bought from Speedy Metals, but once in a while I just need a small piece that my regular suppliers either don't have, or don't want to cut because it's special....I have used http://www.onlinemetals.com/ They seem reasonable, can furnish MTR's (essential for me) and ship quickly. I'll have a look at Speedy also next time I need something odd.

 

[rmsflorida]

Networking with other forum members here..
Put a want or need for the stock.
Bronze/tool steel or part..
Members like me don't mind helping others members out.

Robbie

 

[bvd1940]

I get SS shafting from the local irrigation pump repair (most is 416 SS) up to 6 ft long and 2.5 inches dia. some shorter some larger for a real reasonable $10 per load fee:biggrin:
I have to cast AL to get large rounds as the price is to high. Brass is next to cast
Just my 2 cents worth which aint wort much.:huh:

 

[4GSR]

For clean cast iron, ductile iron, aluminum, tool steels, I get a hold of my buddy at Lokey Metals in Ft Worth. They'll sell you 1" or 1,000 feet of anything they have in stock. No minimum, at least not for me. They take major credit cards.

For copper, brass, Farmers Copper in Galveston, TX. Again, any quanity, there is a small minimum to purchase, but won't break the bank! And they take major CC's.

Bar stock, 1018-1026, 4130,4140, stressproof, my local mill supply. Unfortunatly, I have to buy full length bars, unless it's over a certain size. Oh, Tractor Supply carries 1018 CRS up to about 1" in diameter x 3 foot long. Expensive, but at least you don't have to buy a 20 foot piece!

 

[randyjaco]

Chuck,
You need to start checking out the rural areas around you. Keep an eye out for old time junk yards in small towns. These are my best sources. They tend not to worry too much about liability and let you roam around. They also tend to keep stuff for a long time rather than immediately sending stuff off to the smelter.

Randy