Thread: Basic supply question

So I was in Bunnies' tool shop - just casually having a look - honest! Anyway, there was a tap and die set (metric) that winked at me - so I bought it.

I reckon, conservatively, that it has been about 42 years since I last actually cut a thread - in a school metalwork class.

I quite fancy the notion of being able to make threaded rod and so on for jigs etc (I know you can buy it ready-made but what the hell? It's a pastime with me - not a career).

Where can I buy metal rod stock (steel, brass, aluminium, maybe) in Perth? Any advice you blokes can give me would be welcome.

Col

Col

Steel, stainless steel, ali, brass, copper, bronze and other alloys in short lengths in rounds, hex etc are available from Prime Steels in Malaga. Looking at a biro they gave me last time I was there, no address but phone 9248 2666, code 08 for Perth. They are expensive but otherwise one has to get 6 to 8 meter lengths.

Joe

Thanks, mate. I'll go and have a look.

Col

So how much are you going to charge forum members for allthread Col??

Col,
I have got a fair bit of steel in the last couple of years and my first stop is scrap metal merchants. You pay a bit more than scrap price for new offcuts. With a boom in the mining sector lately there seems to be a reasonable amount floating around. Ring a couple of moblie scrap merchants and ask them to keep some aside.
If your needs are immediate then I have found Metaland good to deal with. The minimum quantity is 2 metres. Brass is really expensive and aluminium isn't far behind. I wouldn't recommend aluminium as it is not durable enough for repeated tightening. Don't be tempted to buy from Bunnings unless you are willing to pay at least twice the price of a steel merchant.
Metaland
10 Rogers Way Landsdale WA 6065
ph: (08) 9409 7788
If you need any special fitting for your jigs I have a couple of metalworking lathes and a mill. I need the practice so as long as there is only a few of something I would be happy to help out.

Rod

Thanks for the advice and the very generous offer of help - I really appreciate it.

I'm in the process of mentally designing a couple of jigs (in other words, they're slowly revolving through my brain cells before I put pen to paper and design them properly). Once I have a clearer idea of what I want to do, I'll know if I need any special fittings.

Bob - mates rates will apply of course

Col