So where do you find your stock? Or plastic?
It seems like one of those never ending quests for many hobby machinists. Many industrial suppliers simply won't bother with selling 'short lengths' of metal. So it often takes some creativity to find material for your next project.
If you have any favorite sources,
please list them!!
-In the US, Home Depot usually has a section where they have a limited selection of stock, including aluminum rod up to 1/2" and some thin flat bar stock. But as many of the parts I make are small, this meets alot of my needs. Probably 60% of what I make starts as 1/4" aluminum rod.
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MetalExpress will cut metal to the inch and mail it. They have a rather good selection, but they charge a 'one time' cutting fee for internet orders- so it's worth putting together a largeish order. I've ordered from them and had good experiences.