Official Luthiers Forum!

Anyone have any suggestions on 3/4" thick Aluminum block/billet? The local sources around here are NO help whatsoever.
-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

You probably already tried /googled 'metal supermarket'.
Mike McNerney

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Mike McNerney

j, maybe try this? http://materials.globalspec.com/Industr ... _bar_stock

or this: http://www.americanaluminum.com/aluminu ... -stock.htm

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Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

I use these guys:
http://www.imsmetals.com/

They're local for me. Not sure if shipping would be too costly?

Cheers

Tom

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Tom Krebs

Watcha makin' J, Huuuuuuuum??

A neck duplicator.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

Call your local Steel supply house. If you have any major manufacturing in your area there will be a steel supply house in town. look in your phone book under "retailer_Steel Plate, Ibeam and such" Odds are they will have it in stock or may need order it in for you. May take 2 days max but by going through them you are only going to pay about 5-10% over the wholesale cost per pound and maybe a small handeling fee if they have to order it. Hardware store sell at 30%-50% over wholesale.

I've had good luck with these guys.

http://www.metalexpress.net

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- Louis Freilicher

Oh No! Not another learning experience!

Check out onlinemetals.com. They have no minimums.

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Second online metals. Their prices are decent for small quantities and they stock some stuff you wouldn't expect.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

I've used these guys before also, no minimum, reasonable prices, quick shipping.

Like Louis said...
http://www.metalexpress.net


dave

Ya Know, I am about to do a bunch of jigging in Aluminum (on my new little metal lathe ) so I have been thinking about Aluminum as well. I live out past the middle of no-where and I just called my local metal supplier/machine shop that I use from time to time and the price they quoted me for 1/4 inch plate was $15/sq ft CDN. That is like way less than half the price that any of these sites quote...

J., you have to try your local source and see what they can do for you. My local source didn't have any 1/2 inch ( a size I am looking for) in stock but will bring it in if I want a whole sheet. There are lot of boat and snow machine and ATV accessory companies that make trailers and decks and stuff out of aluminum, you will be surprised probably to find one quite local, go there and check their scrap pile..a case of beer and you have your piece! The price of metal has recently plummetted and Aluminum was at the top of the price drop, shop around!

Good Luck

Shane

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Canada

Like Mike Doolin's Duplicator?
OnlineMetals or you might get lucky at the scrap yard.

Depending on the width you're looking for, look for flat bar instead of plate. A piece of 1"x6"x18" flat bar will be -MUCH- cheaper than a piece of 1" plate 6"x18"!

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

Bob where do you get your bar stock? This might be what he needs:
http://www.doolinguitars.com/articles/neckdupe/