Even a jig saw with a metal cutting blade could be used all be it a bit slow

M-Machine will cut to any specified length. Email them with details of what you need and ask for a price including delivery. If price is OK then you can phone back with card details or do as I do and just transfer the money to their bank account.

My local emporium cuts to size, and so do the first two internet suppliers I looked at after searching for 'buy metal cut to size'.

Unwillingness to cut may be a local thing – just after buying a mini-lathe, a place in Bristol refused to sell me anything in less than stock lengths, 10 or 12 feet.

I've noticed some trade-outlets are reluctant to sell bits and bobs to hobbyists, probably because of the admin overhead and fuss-factor. I find spending a hefty lump of money in one well organised go makes me a valued customer. The same dosh spread over several small purchases is less welcome, and they definitely don't like giving advice when they're busy!

Internet metal sellers seem more geared to retail customers, and I suppose smaller parcels of metal make delivery easy too.

Not necessarily cheap though!

Dave

I know someone who's 16 year old grandson, gets 60 notes a day during holidays helping a contractor.

Not sure half a crown will get them going these days lol.

Jason has it… again 

Edited By Pete White on 18/06/2023 18:02:23

You can use the steady to hold the end of the bar, assuming it fits in the length of the lathe. Part off to about 4 or 5 mm, then use a saw for the last part. Pull the extra length away, and face the parted off end thats in the chuck.

You can also part off from the steady rest end as well, but I make a plastic disc to stop the chips getting into the area of the steady.

Don't forget to add the machining-allowance, especially if asking someone else to cut it for you.

Around here they prefer boltcutters or cordless anglegrinders, all very Hi-Tech! [Both made in China, of course ]

Sometimes there are bar ends from auto lathes on eBay at reasonable prices.