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Cheap source of aluminum flat stock
12/2/2011 1:30:34 PM
Over the thanksgiving holiday I was cleaning up my shop area and noticed I was low on aluminum flat stock. I’m just a hobby machinist and like to keep a small assortment of sizes around and prefer the stronger alloys like 7075. I usually buy from Speedy Metals or OnlineMetals but the price of 7075 is getting more expensive every time I look.
After a Google search I found a company that sells plate aluminum that will cut to size. After pricing a few pieces of 7075 using the on line tool and comparing prices I ordered up an assortment to give them a try.
FedEx dropped off the package today (5 days coast to coast) and was pleased with what I received.
All pieces were cut too slightly over size and the cuts are very straight and smooth for a saw cut. These will all true up easily with a little face milling. Best of all the price is very good, 25-50% cheaper than my usual sources for 7075.
These are not as “clean” in dimension or finish as buying extruded flat stock but since I true up my stock on a mill before use this was a bargain. If you are looking for aluminum flat stock check them out, they sell in a huge range of sizes.
Network Metals
After a Google search I found a company that sells plate aluminum that will cut to size. After pricing a few pieces of 7075 using the on line tool and comparing prices I ordered up an assortment to give them a try.
FedEx dropped off the package today (5 days coast to coast) and was pleased with what I received.
All pieces were cut too slightly over size and the cuts are very straight and smooth for a saw cut. These will all true up easily with a little face milling. Best of all the price is very good, 25-50% cheaper than my usual sources for 7075.
These are not as “clean” in dimension or finish as buying extruded flat stock but since I true up my stock on a mill before use this was a bargain. If you are looking for aluminum flat stock check them out, they sell in a huge range of sizes.
Network Metals
12/4/2011 3:22:08 PM
Why 7075? It sure machines nice.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
12/4/2011 4:08:47 PM
Originally Posted By Cole2534:
Why 7075? It sure machines nice.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Why 7075? It sure machines nice.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Yes it does machine very nicely and is as hard and strong as a mild steel but the PRICE
!
This dealer sells it at a price that is not much more than what I pay for 6061 at other small order places so now I may not bother with buying lesser alloys.
Unfortunately I can't find round stock 7075 at this price.
As an example I usually buy from Speedy metals:
7075 1 x 3 x 12 inches - $49
Network metals
7075 1 x 3 x 12 inches - $28
12/4/2011 9:07:36 PM
Do an ebay search for "fortal." This is a variant of 7075 with all the good qualities of 7075 and is much cheaper, and comes in odd sized cut-off blocks. This stuff machines very well, don't know about how it anodizes.
12/7/2011 5:45:02 PM
Just as a side note 7075 Aluminum is NOT weldable.
