Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: tigertiger on January 19, 2008, 12:46:38 pm

Title: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: tigertiger on January 19, 2008, 12:46:38 pm
Can somebody help with some info please?

I need a small amount of aluminium sheet.

Who supplies in small quantities in UK?

I can grab some when I am home.
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: OMK on January 19, 2008, 01:10:20 pm
You might try Western Sheet Metal Co. at Taunton, Somerset.
Number is: 01823 282 385.

Good luck.
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: DickyD on January 19, 2008, 01:13:41 pm
4D model shop tt  O0

http://www.yellowcatshop.co.uk/shop/default.asp?clientid=14&gid=4dmod&viewstate=32769&tabcatid=3500106&subcatid=3500116
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: grasshopper on January 19, 2008, 01:15:10 pm
I would have thought that in China, there would be a load of aheet metal workers dotted where you could get a bit of off-cut
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: DickyD on January 19, 2008, 01:22:37 pm
Squires  tt  O0

http://www.squirestools.com/

Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: boatmadman on January 19, 2008, 01:38:41 pm
mallard metals, no minimum order, I use them a lot, great service.

Ian
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: tigertiger on January 19, 2008, 01:57:43 pm
I would have thought that in China, there would be a load of aheet metal workers dotted where you could get a bit of off-cut

Hi Grasshopper

Brass, steel, no problem, but Alloys?

There are artisans in China, but I can't find them.
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: grasshopper on January 19, 2008, 05:21:55 pm
what about all the companies that do air conditioning ducting....don't they have a supplier. Also the manufacturers of electronics - radio / t.v. /vcr.s and DVD players they use a lot of ally for heatsinks and brackets - it's where I get bits from when we break stuff up for disposal
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: maninthestreet on January 19, 2008, 11:19:38 pm
I would have thought that in China, there would be a load of aheet metal workers dotted where you could get a bit of off-cut

Hi Grasshopper

Brass, steel, no problem, but Alloys?

There are artisans in China, but I can't find them.

Brass IS an alloy, aluminium ISNT.  ::)
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: tigertiger on January 20, 2008, 02:25:34 am
Correct

Oops :embarrassed: :embarrassed: ;)
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: Bee on January 20, 2008, 04:54:24 pm
There are a number of the Model Engineering suppliers that do include aluminium in their range although the main demand is for brass, copper and steel. I get alloy from them at shows like the one now on at Aly Paly but I don't register their names and didn't get a programme. The only one I can think of is College Engineering Supplies (CES Ltd).
Also Car shows aimed at Custom Cars or enthusiasts like Landrover shows often have suppliers.
These hobbies do have many small suppliers who sometimes adertise in the specialist mags.
 Another possible source - school technology classes. Though it is all computers and plastic now in the UK they still have connectinos to sources and some of the teachers are 'old school' and might welcome a chat with a modeller. Perhaps China also has tech classes in schools.
Also try to track down anyone repairing caravans or airoplanes. Both will have to be using aluminium so might help.

If you can indicate the region and date you are in the UK we might be able to zero in a bit more.
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: tigertiger on January 20, 2008, 05:24:57 pm
Hi Bee

I have found a supplier now, but thanks for your kind offer.

TT
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: tobyker on January 20, 2008, 11:27:00 pm
and of course the Metal Supermarket - I use the Govan branch but I think they are fairly widespread. No min quantities and I had a good wander round the other day and found a bit of 3/8" aluminium plate, 10" x 3". £2.
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: Red_Hamish on January 21, 2008, 10:26:01 pm
Hello Tobyker, well that is an impressive company of whom I'd never heard. For those in a similar situation there is the link http://www.metalsupermarkets.com/msc-storefinder.aspx?city=Govan&map=UK&region=UK The next time on the mainland and in the Central Belt I'll take a look in to see what they can offer me.  It could be a real boon for those of us who like to have a small stock of material at hand simply because of distance from normal sources.

cheers

Jim
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: ABRAD on January 21, 2008, 10:43:49 pm
Hi all,
       Just thought I would like to say Maninthestreet is right, but you try to buy pure Aluminium, that has not been alloyed with some other element.
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: tobyker on January 21, 2008, 11:04:14 pm
Depends how thick you want it - Baco foil (for roasting your chicken in) is 99.9% pure - I used to work for a scientific material supplier and for that thickness we bought in rolls of Baco foil and sold it off for £10 for each 6" square!
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: warpspawn on March 08, 2008, 04:02:05 am
This is something i have not checked out yet, but it may help someone out in this age of recycling everything
I was told that a good supply of Aluminium sheet can be got from an old freezer or fridge outer casing if you don't mind a bit of recycling, but removing the Freon gas is the problem, bad stuff to mess with.
and the inside is a good source of plastic sheet, but I'm new to boats so don't know much about the materials normally used in their construction.
Title: Re: sheet metal suppliers
Post by: Big Ada on March 08, 2008, 04:20:51 pm
FOLKESTONE ENGINEERING SUPPLIES.

Metals,small tools etc.
          www.metal2models.btinternet.co.uk
From a satisfied customer,

    Len.    :)