I am finally going to get started in model engine building. I will need
small quantities of several metals. I see in HSM ads for several that
offer no minimums nor cutting charges. Any recommendations from the group?

"I will need small quantities of several metals. " I've delt with
Metal By The Foot in KCMO for years. They have a web site and will ship
Fed Ex. Also used Speedy Metal for tool steel a couple of times. You
might try calling or visiting local machine shops also.
Why not post what you need and maybe someone here can help.
Ken

On Sat, 23 Jul 2005 09:33:43 -0500, Don Stauffer
wrote:

I am finally going to get started in model engine building. I will need
small quantities of several metals. I see in HSM ads for several that
offer no minimums nor cutting charges. Any recommendations from the group?
Online Metals. They have the best prices I've seen for small
quantities in the Seattle area. And of course they ship the stuff.
There used to be a place called Metal Shorts in Seattle. I hated going
to them because they charged an arm and a leg and were snotty about
it. They may still be in business but they sure will never get any of
mine again. Or the business of several other shops I know. Online
Metals also has the prices online so you can order at night over the
web.
Eric R Snow,
E T Precision Machine

Don Stauffer wrote:
I am finally going to get started in model engine building. I will need
small quantities of several metals. I see in HSM ads for several that
offer no minimums nor cutting charges. Any recommendations from the group?


http://onlinemetals.com/

Any recommendations from the group?
Online Metals. They have the best prices I've seen for small
quantities in the Seattle area. And of course they ship the stuff.

I used to use them, but I use a lot of 303 bar stock.
I have since switched to http://www.metalexpress.net
Because they have a better selection of 303 and 416. Had no REAL
complaints with online metals, except that on two large sizes of 303
bar, they started sending this Chinese stuff (So marked) that was
bulged pillow shaped, with a lot of stringers and bad pickle surface
finish, to the extent that I was flycutting .020-.040 a side to clean
it up and square enough to use.
I do this for a business..I simply do not have enough room for a stock
bandsaw so it does pay me to buy it pre-cut. Extra cleanup time is
dollars lost.
The material I am getting from metalexpress is square and flat and
bright. It matters a LOT when the clock is running. If it's a hobby
I suppose it does not.
Prices are comparable between the two places, but with the product I
make, materials costs are a lot less important than time.
If you are buying brass or aluminum or CRS I suppose it does not
matter.

On Sat, 23 Jul 2005 09:33:43 -0500, Don Stauffer
wrote:

I am finally going to get started in model engine building. I will need
small quantities of several metals. I see in HSM ads for several that
offer no minimums nor cutting charges. Any recommendations from the group?

Since you're in Mnpls, visit the various places on 2d Ave No near
Broadway and browse their drop racks. If you do have to pay for
cuts, that'll still cost less than paying shipping. Discount Steel
will usually do one cut free per 20' length so you can haul it in a
pickup.

Also, check out
http://my.execpc.com/~metal/mn.html

They're in Maple Grove. See
http://www.metalexpress.net/cgi-bin/...8750022247b048
for catalog and pricing.