This does not directly answer your question, but it's related. You may take a look at ASTM A36 rather than 1018. It is basically the same alloy, but it is hot rolled. Tends to have fewer internal stresses, and cheaper to boot.
As far as location, I think others have suggested MetalSupermarkets. You migh find what you need in the "cutoff" section, but that is a pretty big piece of scrap. They probably have it new, but the price may not be that different from your original number; probably have to call and ask.
-Matt
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--- In 7x12minilathe@..., Web Williams <wy3xinsc@...> wrote:
nissan.370z wrote:
If you only need small lengths like 12" or so, the guy on ebay I mentioned recently in a post of mine (reply if you didnt see it and I'll give you the info) is great for combining shipping. Just ask him what is the cheapest shipping for x-y-z etc. and he will fit everything he can into Priority Mail Flat rate envelopes or boxes and not charge you a single cent over cost. My last order of 7 pieces 12" long was $4.95 total Priority Mail shipping as will my next order cost (which will have delrin, aluminum and steel stock all in it- He has brass as well). A larger order would be $10.95 for a larger box. He is the best I have found for ebay shipping of stock thus far. Just ask before you buy though so you know what your total is for shipping. I tell him what I want and see if it will fit in the $4.95 package or not. I have yet to compare prices for the stock but his prices was cheap enough for me that with the cheap shipping I didnt bother and just ordered. I wouldnt order just 1-2 items though, since you may need more later, save on shipping and order various sizes of stuff you need or may want to have on hand.
I tried a local steel yard and they have no Aluminum round stock which is what i needed, but steel is no problem locally. I have many more steel yards I use, but haven't checked them since I got a lathe.
Since one piece of what I'm looking for is around 120 pounds, and three
pieces
which is what I need would be about 360 pounds, something tells me the post
office isn't going to want to deal with me... <WINK>. I do need 12" long
pieces,
but 7" in diameter, 1018 steel. If you think your friend might have
that, however,
please send me his contact info and I'll inquire. C360 brass would be
better, but
none of us (there are three of us each building the same project) are
prepared to
spend $700.00 or more on the material. That's why we all agreed to use
steel.
Thanks, -Web
