Best places to buy metal for machining

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Best places to buy metal for machining

This topic has 18 replies, 17 voices, and was last updated 17 June 2020 at 06:31 by Graham Titman.

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16 June 2020 at 13:44 #480237
Ace Chandler
Participant
@acechandler49785
In this thread I started on surface finish, I mentioned that I'd bought some EN1A steel from ebay as my research had said this is the easiest to machine. Someone then quite rightly asked "how do you know that's what you were sent?"

I wondered if people had any recommended, trusted suppliers (ebay sellers or otherwise) of material they could share. I'm located in Kent in case there are any places that are actually local to me. I've been using ebay and trying to stick to people with decent recommended feedback to source my material, but perhaps people have other suggestions on good places to buy from.

Thanks, Ace
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16 June 2020 at 13:44 #10300
Ace Chandler
Participant
@acechandler49785
.. how not to get sent the wrong thing 🙂
16 June 2020 at 14:01 #480243
Former Member
Participant
@formermember32069
[This posting has been removed]
16 June 2020 at 14:04 #480244
Anonymous
I use Parkersteel for basic steels. Although they have an outlet near Cambridge the head office is in Canterbury. However, they have got a bit silly on delivery charges recently.

Andrew
16 June 2020 at 14:21 #480255
Dave Halford
Participant
@davehalford22513
Buy on ebay from those who deal with 'cut to length' eg alloycuttings do laser cut mild steel discs which is en3.

BEJ do en1a, en3 and en8 in rod.

People selling random lumps of stuff including metal should be avoided.
16 June 2020 at 14:30 #480259
Thor 🇳🇴
Participant
@thor
I have used M-Machine for both free-cutting steel and copper alloys and I am very satisfied.

Thor
16 June 2020 at 14:34 #480261
Andrew Evans
Participant
@andrewevans67134
Another vote for M-Machine
16 June 2020 at 14:42 #480262
Greensands
Participant
@greensands
I am always happy with EKP Supplies. Never had a bad deal
16 June 2020 at 14:44 #480263
John Hinkley
Participant
@johnhinkley26699
M-Machine for me , too. I have used this eBay seller with good, reliable results at a reasonable price. Delivery is (was) usually next day:

Steel City Gavin

Good selection of regular sizes in varying lengths, or cut to order.

John
16 June 2020 at 15:38 #480275
HOWARDT
Participant
@howardt
I always collect mine from Rapid Metals, its cheaper to collect and I can have a sort through their racks to see if something takes my fancy. A round trip only takes about an hour and a half and I can always visit Axminster in Nuneaton.
16 June 2020 at 16:45 #480291
Chris V
Participant
@chrisv
I have always used by preference GLR, always been happy!

**LINK**

Chris.
16 June 2020 at 17:21 #480298
Mick B1
Participant
@mickb1
Posted by Barrie Lever on 16/06/2020 14:01:50:

Ace

I use the following for metals particularly things like phosper bronze.

**LINK**

Aluminium Droitwich on Ebay for aluminium and Metal Supermarket are reliable and will sell you what they say it is, both of these can supply CofC's to confirm the material.

B.

I've also had good deals from Aluminium Droitwich, though as I lived in Redditch at the time I was tending to buy over the counter. They also sold me some acetyl (Delrin-like) at a very competitive price.

Now that I'm in Staffs, I've found Macc Models a very reliable supplier, and I'm very sure everything has been what they said it was.
16 June 2020 at 18:21 #480316
SillyOldDuffer
Moderator
@sillyoldduffer
Although EN1A is about 50% more machinable than ordinary mild-steel (EN3A), EN1A-Pb is roughly 150% better. Prefer EN1A-Pb (aka EN1A-leaded) unless welding is on the agenda!

You've probably got a local metal distributor nearby, but if he's like mine, he'll be low-key, preferring to deal with trade rather than the ordinary public. Try a local Trade Directory under Steel or Metals and watch for names on delivery lorries and signs on Business estates! Buying local can save on delivery costs, but bear in mind cutting is extra and it may pay to buy in 3 metre lengths.

Although my local emporium sells off-cuts, they were distinctly unfriendly at first. Waiting one day I noticed the shop was full of chaps seeking free-advice, who didn't know what they wanted, and then walked out when told the price! (Metal isn't cheap.) I suspect this is why Metal Dealers don't advertise! I'm much more welcome now I arrive with a straightforward and profitable list. Major love is reserved for customers who do Invoices and Purchase Orders and order metal by the ton.

I also buy stuff from the internet (Metals Supermarket & m-machine, plus Noggins End and the other hobby sources who advertise here), but not ebay unless I'm happy to take a risk. ebay is a bit of a gamble. Could be a bargain or a disaster depending on how knowledgeable the seller is.

Consider buying a MEW subscription with access to the archive. Good article on steel recently from Stub Mandrel, it's the sort of information that makes the hobby easier all round.

Dave
16 June 2020 at 19:13 #480329
jimmy b
Participant
@jimmyb
Running the engineering department can have its advantages!

If I need something specific, I go to the places mentioned here and ebay.

Jim
16 June 2020 at 19:49 #480337
Ace Chandler
Participant
@acechandler49785
Thanks a lot guys – this is a really helpful set of links. Much appreciated.
16 June 2020 at 20:37 #480340
Clive B
Participant
@cliveb55652
If you're based in Kent, try Maidstone Engineering. They cater for hobbyists with a good range of stock and sundries at acceptable prices.

Clive
17 June 2020 at 00:07 #480378
Adam Harris
Participant
@adamharris13683
M-Machine works great for me
17 June 2020 at 06:23 #480389
Old School
Participant
@oldschool
I use M-Machine for most of the metal I use, what I like is that they tell you the grades of the material and a lot of what I make I need to know for the application.

i was making some bevels gears that would be nitride hardened, they hadn’t got the size I wanted were prepared to get a bar in and sell me six inches.
17 June 2020 at 06:31 #480390
Graham Titman
Participant
@grahamtitman81812
Macc Model Ltd was very good with quick delivery in the lock down and giving excellent service
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