Looking for Aluminium

David Stifle

David Stifle

Joined
Nov 20, 2008
Messages
10,188
Hi Guys,

i'm making a old fashioned 1950"s type of knife. It has an aluminium pommel, but darned if I can find some thick enough to use (around 3/4"s to 1 inch). outside of melting beer cans, any suggestions?
 
I've got an ole' Mustang airplane propeller you can have. :D

Dave - I've found all manner of aluminum at the local salvage yard. Worth a shot, maybe.

-Peter
 
David Stifle said:
Hi Guys,

i'm making a old fashioned 1950"s type of knife. It has an aluminium pommel, but darned if I can find some thick enough to use (around 3/4"s to 1 inch). outside of melting beer cans, any suggestions?
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There is lots of Aluminium round available

Try the real paper yellow pages under "metals" and "aluminum"

Also see small welding and fabricating shops
 
Ive had real good luck on Ebay. Many times someone has some scrap or end cut piece they sell pretty reasonably.

If its not too big of a piece let me know, I have some odd pieces laying around
 
I know its avant garde, but what about several pieces of 1/4" laminated together. You can get that at Home Depot.

Just an idea.

Larry
Tinkerer
 
I just ordered a 1.5" diameter length of 6061 off the big auction site for very reasonable price. Ian's offer sounds like the best deal though. ;)
 
speedy metals sells many sizes by the inch.
 
you guys are great, thands for the offer and info. I got lucky at our local salvage yard, and picked up quite a bit. Now, to get to work...

Thanks
 
I would steer clear of the home depot stuff for anything serious. Its pretty low quality stuff and doesent even drill very well much less machine/turn/mill/tap. Its real soft/gummy. 6061 or 7075 are you easiest options for good quality
 
ANeat said:
I would steer clear of the home depot stuff for anything serious. Its pretty low quality stuff and doesent even drill very well much less machine/turn/mill/tap. Its real soft/gummy. 6061 or 7075 are you easiest options for good quality
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what type of aluminum would you guess that it is? I experienced the gummy nature when drilling and cutting on bandsaw.
 
PT Doc said:
what type of aluminum would you guess that it is? I experienced the gummy nature when drilling and cutting on bandsaw.
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Ive heard its 5052 "usually", especially the flat stock. Ive heard the angle pieces can be 6061. Its (the price) really marked up so If you need several pieces online ordering would certainly be less costly
 
5052 is nice because it can be bent without cracking but is stronger than something like 3003.

It is gummy and a pain to machine. 7075 and 2024 are almost the opposite, with 6061 falling somewhere in between.

You may know this already but figured it would be good info for the thread.
 
HallHandmade said:
I can give you a chunk of 7075, 2024, or 6061, your pick.
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That is what I love about this place! Soooo many of the makers on here are willing to help out ! Good on you Ian!:thumbup:
BTW OP. If you need more later , I got 1" thick plate from Ebay. Cheap.
 
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