Author Topic: Where to get a large block of steel?  (Read 8747 times)

Offline dawesy

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 252
  • Country: gb
Where to get a large block of steel?
« on: November 14, 2015, 11:03:35 AM »
Got a project to do for a friend. (Turbo to manifold adapter)
Need a block of steel about 120x110x50 to mill it from.
Tried the usual places, nogginend, eBay etc but they don't seem to go this large.
Anyone got any leads?
Lee.
wishing my workshop was larger :(

Offline John Rudd

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2525
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2015, 11:30:02 AM »
Have you tried College Engineering supplies?
What about cast iron as a material?
eccentric millionaire financed by 'er indoors
Location:  Backworth Newcastle

Skype: chippiejnr


Offline sparky961

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 844
  • Country: ca
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2015, 12:19:00 PM »
This answer is geographically biased and specific, but are there no commercial steel suppliers somewhat near you? You'll pay more than a business that buys plenty but should still be reasonable.

Offline nrml

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 262
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #4 on: November 14, 2015, 01:02:53 PM »
Pardon me if this is a stupid suggestion, but can't you braze  smaller pieces together to get the size you need? It would an awful lot of heat and probably need more than just a torch and a few bricks, but is should be doable.

Offline AdeV

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2434
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #5 on: November 14, 2015, 01:47:35 PM »
Mersey Metals will do that size easily, if you're anywhere near the Wirral/Liverpool, they'll deliver too (or if you want, I'll get the piece & post it onto you at cost). No idea of prices, best phone them.
Cheers!
Ade.
--
Location: Wallasey, Merseyside. A long way from anywhere.
Occasionally: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...

Offline John Rudd

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2525
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #6 on: November 14, 2015, 01:56:03 PM »
I wouldnt have thought that making up from smaller blocks would be an option given its service and temperature excursions...worth a thought though?
eccentric millionaire financed by 'er indoors
Location:  Backworth Newcastle

Skype: chippiejnr

Offline SteveT

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 51
  • Country: wales
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #7 on: November 14, 2015, 02:39:23 PM »
Hi, I offend have luck going to local jobbing machine shop's or steel fab shops, you find they will have lots of off cuts and are mostly very helpful just make sure you have safety boots on your feet before going in the workshop  :bugeye:
Steven Tyrer
lives in Cardiff South Wales

Offline Jasonb

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 451
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #8 on: November 14, 2015, 03:23:07 PM »
M-Machine do 2" x 5" flat bar cut to whatever length you need, I've had large stuff off them in the past, page 25

http://www.m-machine-metals.co.uk/mm_cat_2011.pdf

Offline dawesy

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 252
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #9 on: November 14, 2015, 03:39:20 PM »
Excellent. Cheers guys.
Brazing wouldn't cut the mustard I'm afraid due to temps (800°c+ are common and even as high as 1100°c)
Will give some of the suggested places a try
Lee.
wishing my workshop was larger :(

Offline John Rudd

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2525
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #10 on: November 14, 2015, 03:57:21 PM »
M-Machine do 2" x 5" flat bar cut to whatever length you need, I've had large stuff off them in the past, page 25

http://www.m-machine-metals.co.uk/mm_cat_2011.pdf
Oh bugger, I forgot about them....good spot Jason :bow:
eccentric millionaire financed by 'er indoors
Location:  Backworth Newcastle

Skype: chippiejnr

Offline krv3000

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2183
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #11 on: November 14, 2015, 04:38:21 PM »
hi im in Durham is 150 by 150 by 150 to big 

Offline dawesy

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 252
  • Country: gb
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #12 on: November 14, 2015, 07:32:19 PM »
It is a bit although it would just need a bit more machining down. I bear it in mind, thank you
Lee.
wishing my workshop was larger :(

Offline Lew_Merrick_PE

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 690
  • Country: us
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #13 on: November 15, 2015, 01:47:50 AM »
Merchant Stock (low carbon HRS) bar sells here in the U.S. for $1.60/lb ($3.53/kg) at this instant.  1 inch bar (which I usually dress to .950 inch (24.13 mm)) or 1.25 inch bar is available in 1/2 increments of width from 1 inch to 12 inches at almost any steel yard.  If you can find a "drop" from another cut (i.e. drawing to an inside straight), you can pick them up for $0.95/lb at my local steel yards.  2 inch and 2.25 inch bar is generally available though you may have to hit a couple of "yards" to find it.  ???

Offline GRIFFIN

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 29
  • Country: gb
  • Location:Consett, Co. Durham
Re: Where to get a large block of steel?
« Reply #14 on: November 30, 2015, 10:38:31 AM »
Hi Dawsey,

Have you tried the metal supermarket? Check out their website, they have branches up and down the country.

I get most of my stuff from them.

Cheers, Griff.