Al barstock info needed.

[Woodkiller]

I have some aluminum bar stock that I got when a previous employer closed. I only know that it is aluminum and they used it in the shop for making small parts and brackets n stuff. One piece is 3/4x1", one is 1/2x2", & the other is 1 1/2"x 1 1/2". All are over 8' long. Is there any way to determine what kind of aluminum it is, or does it even matter? I have had it about 16 years in my shop and was thinking about either trying to sell some of it or maybe making a pen or 2 from it.
If I try to sell it I should probably know what grade it is and about what it is worth, but I don't know enough about it to figure that out. If I try to use some of it, well, I guess ill just try it and see. .) Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[BRobbins629]

Its probably 6061 which is a very common aluminum alloy. Check out onlinemetals.com for retail pricing which should give you some idea of value. While not impossible, most aluminum pens are made from round stock.

 

[Ed McDonnell]

If you go to a junkyard that recycles aluminum, they might be able to do a quick test (with a niton gun) to determine what alloy you have. The amount they will offer you for the aluminum might almost cover your gas cost.

Without knowing the alloy, it's not worth a lot to someone. Alloy makes a big difference in welding, anodizing, machining and strength.

Here's a link to a DIY method for identifying aluminum alloy. I can't vouch for it, but it beats spending $700 for a chemical test kit that would allow you to do the testing yourself. See post #14.

Identifying Aluminum - Page 2

You can check prices for aluminum at online metal retailers (e.g. onlinemetals or speedymetals). There's a big difference between the various alloys, but overall aluminum is pretty cheap.

Ed

 

[TBCbushings]

My bet is the same as Bruce... 6061-T6 I hate machining 6061 but it is ok if you flood it with coolant...