3/8 aluminum rod

[jeweler53]

I need a few pieces of 3/8 rod. I will be turning them on a wood lathe with carbide tools. Is aluminum the best? What type of aluminum would work best. Where is a good source. Does anyone here have some to sell? I would like about 6 pieces. If they fit in a SFRB that would be perfect. (about 6" long). These will turn into mandrels and holding tools.

 

[lorbay]

Get them at Home Depot
Lin

 

[creativewriting]

I get most of my aluminum from onlinemetals.com. 6061 is most common, but i have orded 2011 to see how it turnes. If you are making mandrels i would recommend using brass, but that is just a personnal preferance. It tends to be more ridged and stable.

 

[rherrell]

I buy all of my aluminum here... items in Stoners Tools and Raw Materials store on eBay!

This guy has good prices and a lot of it is FREE SHIPPING!:biggrin:

The stuff you get at the big box stores doesn't turn very well, at least that's been my experience. Try and stick with 6061 alloy, you won't have any problems with that.

 

[creativewriting]

Great ebay store...thanks for sharing!

I buy all of my aluminum here... items in Stoners Tools and Raw Materials store on eBay!

This guy has good prices and a lot of it is FREE SHIPPING!:biggrin:

The stuff you get at the big box stores doesn't turn very well, at least that's been my experience. Try and stick with 6061 alloy, you won't have any problems with that.