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Buying small amounts of steel (tube/plate/box) - where?
jps - 7/9/16 at 01:25 PM

Wondering where others get their metal from - especially when after small quantities.

I need a few short lengths of metal tubing (e.g. for making pedal bushes / and for the 'make your own engine stand project' discussed here: http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/37/viewthread.php?tid=203800) - literally pieces only a few inches long - but in some specific sizes (i.e. that fit inside one-another in terms of tubing for example).

I also need some plate again in small quantities (e.g. something like a 300mm square of 6mm)

Haven't yet tried local metal stockholders - but effectively I guess for some people what I am after is simply off-cuts and gets binned - i.e. I could even get this stuff free in some circs! Where does everyone else get their bits from?

[Edited on 7/9/16 by jps]

40inches - 7/9/16 at 01:34 PM

Got most of mine from eBay (do a search for what you want) plus some from B&Q, probably not the cheapest, but if you just want a short piece of tubing it saves the hassle.

mcerd1 - 7/9/16 at 01:43 PM

I wouldn't use b&q for anything were strength is important - nothing they sell seems to have any indication of any grade / quality and in my experience it's mechanical properties are closer to mild cheddar than even a cheap steel or alloy

As for eBay I'd be suspicious with a lot of the sellers, but there are a few decent ones too

your best bet would be a local engineering firm, fabricator or stockholder - some are quite happy to sell offcuts


I've used these guys quite a few times - great for small bits and odd materials (they are normally at stoneleigh too)
http://www.nogginend.com/



[Edited on 7/9/2016 by mcerd1]

peter030371 - 7/9/16 at 02:04 PM

Lots of good suppliers on eBay for odds and sods like this. Used them myself many times (for work as well) and never yet had a problem

jps - 7/9/16 at 02:37 PM

quote:
Originally posted by peter030371
Lots of good suppliers on eBay for odds and sods like this. Used them myself many times (for work as well) and never yet had a problem


Any specific recommendations on who to do business with?

AJC - 7/9/16 at 02:45 PM

I can get hold of some solid off-cuts. No tube though. What sizes did you need?

Slater - 7/9/16 at 03:30 PM

I suggest visiting your local friendly steel fabrication place and see what they can provide, many times they will let you take from their scrap bin for a small cash fee. Speak to the guys in the workshop nicely and they are usually very helpful.

I get bits welded and stuff for some beer money.

stevebubs - 7/9/16 at 03:33 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jps
quote:
Originally posted by peter030371
Lots of good suppliers on eBay for odds and sods like this. Used them myself many times (for work as well) and never yet had a problem


Any specific recommendations on who to do business with?


I've used ringwood engineering a few times.

britishtrident - 7/9/16 at 03:42 PM

Are "Metal Supermarkets" still around they buy up odd steel stock and off cuts and sold small amounts cut to length.

loggyboy - 7/9/16 at 03:58 PM

I used these guys when sourcing material for my engine mounts. They were superb.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bejengineering

nick205 - 8/9/16 at 08:13 AM

Myself I've found a local steel stockholder happy to deal with drive in public trade. Cheap, fast, flexible and works well for me. I'd suggest looking for the same in your area.

These guys...

http://www.bmsteel.co.uk/

Can't see them in Colchester/Essex, but might be worth a call to check.

jps - 9/9/16 at 12:20 PM

quote:
Originally posted by AJC
I can get hold of some solid off-cuts. No tube though. What sizes did you need?


Cheers for the offer - it's mostly tube i'm after - but if you have access to something like 10 mm plate (to make one of these: http://i.stack.imgur.com/0hWf1.jpg) I could do with a bit about 10" by 7 " ?

[Edited on 9/9/16 by jps]

AJC - 9/9/16 at 08:11 PM

I dont think i've got anything like that. I will check when I get a chance.

AJC - 9/9/16 at 09:00 PM

I can't seem to open your link

hearbear - 9/9/16 at 11:17 PM

quote:
Originally posted by britishtrident
Are "Metal Supermarkets" still around they buy up odd steel stock and off cuts and sold small amounts cut to length.


I think they have disappeared now the one that was minutes from me closed a good few years ago which was a shame as they were very handy.

AJC - 12/9/16 at 09:23 PM

Sorry I hav'nt got anything 7" x 10"

jps - 16/9/16 at 07:46 PM

quote:
Originally posted by AJC
Sorry I hav'nt got anything 7" x 10"


Thanks for having a look for me. Cheers