Best places to buy metal for machining

In this thread I started on surface finish, I mentioned that I'd bought some EN1A steel from ebay as my research had said this is the easiest to machine. Someone then quite rightly asked "how do you know that's what you were sent?"

I wondered if people had any recommended, trusted suppliers (ebay sellers or otherwise) of material they could share. I'm located in Kent in case there are any places that are actually local to me. I've been using ebay and trying to stick to people with decent recommended feedback to source my material, but perhaps people have other suggestions on good places to buy from.

Thanks, Ace

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I use Parkersteel for basic steels. Although they have an outlet near Cambridge the head office is in Canterbury. However, they have got a bit silly on delivery charges recently.

Andrew

Buy on ebay from those who deal with 'cut to length' eg alloycuttings do laser cut mild steel discs which is en3.

BEJ do en1a, en3 and en8 in rod.

People selling random lumps of stuff including metal should be avoided.

I have used M-Machine for both free-cutting steel and copper alloys and I am very satisfied.

Thor

Another vote for M-Machine

I am always happy with EKP Supplies. Never had a bad deal

M-Machine for me , too. I have used this eBay seller with good, reliable results at a reasonable price. Delivery is (was) usually next day:

Steel City Gavin

Good selection of regular sizes in varying lengths, or cut to order.

John

I always collect mine from Rapid Metals, its cheaper to collect and I can have a sort through their racks to see if something takes my fancy. A round trip only takes about an hour and a half and I can always visit Axminster in Nuneaton.

I have always used by preference GLR, always been happy!

**LINK**

Chris.

I've also had good deals from Aluminium Droitwich, though as I lived in Redditch at the time I was tending to buy over the counter. They also sold me some acetyl (Delrin-like) at a very competitive price.

Now that I'm in Staffs, I've found Macc Models a very reliable supplier, and I'm very sure everything has been what they said it was.

Although EN1A is about 50% more machinable than ordinary mild-steel (EN3A), EN1A-Pb is roughly 150% better. Prefer EN1A-Pb (aka EN1A-leaded) unless welding is on the agenda!

You've probably got a local metal distributor nearby, but if he's like mine, he'll be low-key, preferring to deal with trade rather than the ordinary public. Try a local Trade Directory under Steel or Metals and watch for names on delivery lorries and signs on Business estates! Buying local can save on delivery costs, but bear in mind cutting is extra and it may pay to buy in 3 metre lengths.

Although my local emporium sells off-cuts, they were distinctly unfriendly at first. Waiting one day I noticed the shop was full of chaps seeking free-advice, who didn't know what they wanted, and then walked out when told the price! (Metal isn't cheap.) I suspect this is why Metal Dealers don't advertise! I'm much more welcome now I arrive with a straightforward and profitable list. Major love is reserved for customers who do Invoices and Purchase Orders and order metal by the ton.

I also buy stuff from the internet (Metals Supermarket & m-machine, plus Noggins End and the other hobby sources who advertise here), but not ebay unless I'm happy to take a risk. ebay is a bit of a gamble. Could be a bargain or a disaster depending on how knowledgeable the seller is.

Consider buying a MEW subscription with access to the archive. Good article on steel recently from Stub Mandrel, it's the sort of information that makes the hobby easier all round.

Dave

Running the engineering department can have its advantages!

If I need something specific, I go to the places mentioned here and ebay.

Jim

Thanks a lot guys - this is a really helpful set of links. Much appreciated.

If you're based in Kent, try Maidstone Engineering. They cater for hobbyists with a good range of stock and sundries at acceptable prices.

Clive

M-Machine works great for me

I use M-Machine for most of the metal I use, what I like is that they tell you the grades of the material and a lot of what I make I need to know for the application.

i was making some bevels gears that would be nitride hardened, they hadn’t got the size I wanted were prepared to get a bar in and sell me six inches.

Macc Model Ltd was very good with quick delivery in the lock down and giving excellent service