metal-sources-msg - 5/3/08
Sources and merchants for metals. Plate, wire, rod, foil.
NOTE: See also the files: gilded-food-msg, metals-msg, metalworking-msg, metalworking-FAQ, casting-msg, blacksmithing-msg, bladesmithing-msg.
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NOTICE -
This file is a collection of various messages having a common theme that I have collected from my reading of the various computer networks. Some messages date back to 1989, some may be as recent as yesterday.
This file is part of a collection of files called Stefan's Florilegium. These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org
I have done a limited amount of editing. Messages having to do with separate topics were sometimes split into different files and sometimes extraneous information was removed. For instance, the message IDs were removed to save space and remove clutter.
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Thank you,
Mark S. Harris AKA: THLord Stefan li Rous
Stefan at florilegium.org
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Date: Tue, 9 Sep 1997 22:17:55 -0500
From: Malgar Thorvik <sds4168 at ccp.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: sheet metal sources?
>I'm working up a desire to start making jewellry - torques, bracelets,
>armlets, and such like, with an emphasis less on gems and more on
>metal-based stuff. I have the tools, and sources for the tools I don't
>have, no problem - but finding good, cheap sources for good, cheap
>metal isn't easy. I'm looking for sheet copper and sheet brass in the
>18-24 gauge range; and copper and brass wire, ditto. Silver I can
Brass King in Kansas City sells all shapes types sizes of brass stock you
could think of.
I use a brazing rod found at a local welding shop for most of my jewelry.
Kilt pins, bracelets, torques, etc. I get it for approx 4.50 a pound
Ld Malgar Thorvik
Brass forging, Venitian and Glass bead maker, leather
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 06:50:51 -0700 (PDT)
From: Heidi Johnson <heidij at rocketmail.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: sheet metal sources?
---ALBAN at delphi.com wrote:
> I'm working up a desire to start making jewellry - torques, bracelets,
> armlets, and such like, with an emphasis less on gems and more on
> metal-based stuff. I have the tools, and sources for the tools I don't
> have, no problem - but finding good, cheap sources for good, cheap
> metal isn't easy. I'm looking for sheet copper and sheet brass in the
> 18-24 gauge range; and copper and brass wire, ditto. Silver I can
> get locally; gold is beyond my present skill level (although it would
> be nifty to try, some day).
> Do y'all know of any good metal stores? Or should I start scrounging
> in junkyards?
Don't get scrap metal -- it's cheap enough new, and scrap is
generally harder to work with. If you want a clean finish, you save
yourself a lot of work starting with one. Another general word of
advice -- get good tools. Not outrageously expensive, but don't shop
at the hardware store.
There are lots* of "mail order" sources for jewelry supplies and
metal. In particular, there are a bunch of companies based in the
Southwest that sell copper findings, sheet, and wire. I'll go home
and dig through for a few sources, but the best advice I can give
anyone interested in jewelry is to go to the bookstore and buy a copy
of Lapidary Journal magazine. Even if you skip the wonderful
articles, it's worth it for the ads. Call every toll-free number/free
catalog you see listed and you're well on your way to having a good
vendor list.
And yes, there are always local sources. But remember, there's
no sales tax if you buy from out of state. And the shipping costs are
fairly minimal. Or, declare yourself a sole proprietorship with the
state and voila -- you're tax-exempt.
Hope this helps. Good Luck!
Kassia of Trebizond, Barony of Nordskogen, Northshield, Midrealm
mka Heidi Johnson
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 08:43:28 -0500
From: Tim Weitzel <wcrobert at blue.weeg.uiowa.edu>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: sheet metal sources?
Oh goody, a chance to plug something...
Alban, if you can get a copy of the Calon Scrolls that covers the coins of
Calontir from Arwin and Chepe through Gilligan and Aedilith, you will find
an appendix that lists several sources of sheet and other jewelry metals.
If you like, I can get there addresses and post them. Otherwise, look for
TSI, Inc. distribuiting out of Seattle or Bartlett & Co. distributing out
of Chicago. Those have been my main sources of metal for coins as well as
many other metal and jewelry tools.
Tryffin ap Myrddin
Shadowdale, Calontir
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 07:29:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: Heidi Johnson <heidij at rocketmail.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: sheet metal sources?
---Tim Weitzel wrote:
> ....Otherwise, look for
> TSI, Inc. distribuiting out of Seattle or Bartlett & Co. distributing out
> of Chicago.
TSI isn't bad. I've been getting a lot from Greiger's lately, out
of, um, Pasadena, I think. And Reactive Metals has some way cool
stuff. Platinum, Niobium, etc. in sheet, wire and findings.
Kassia
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1998 21:55:37 PST
From: "T Cardy" <otterbabi at hotmail.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Brass help
For a good source of assorted metals: gold, silver platinum, gold filled
and jewelers brass (in wire up to 10ga for brass and 16ga in sheets).
Try www.riogrande.com - register on their site for free and they will
send you a set of catalogues (I spent hours pouring through them). I
have ordered a lot of jewelry findings from them - very knowledgable
people who really want to help you!
Timothy Van Vlear
From: Rick Drake <ainarm at cox.net>
Date: May 24, 2006 11:09:46 AM CDT
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Brass Sheet
From: Jean Paul de Sens
<<< So, where does everyone buy their brass sheets at ? I'm looking for a good source of inexpensive brass in quasi bulk sizes. Basically, several square feet in the .040-.060 thickness, mainly for armour embellishment. >>>
This is where I got my latest order of brass sheet. They seem to have a pretty large selection and may be able to help you out.
http://www.metalliferous.com/index.htm
Ainar
From: Chris Zakes <dontivar at gmail.com>
Date: May 24, 2006 4:54:30 PM CDT
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Brass Sheet
> So, where does everyone buy their brass sheets at ? I'm looking for
> a good
> source of inexpensive brass in quasi bulk sizes. Basically, several
> square feet in the .040-.060 thickness, mainly for armour
> embellishment.
>
> JP
If you live in a larger city, I'd suggest checking the Yellow Pages for
"Metal Distributors" or something similar. If that doesn't work,
McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/) sells pretty much *everything*.
-Tivar Moondragon
From: Lori Campbell <countesskat at yahoo.com>
Date: May 24, 2006 4:57:54 PM CDT
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Brass Sheet
I used to use Swest Inc. in Dallas, but I seem to remember hearing that
they've gone out of business. Over the past few years I've had good
luck with Monsterslayer.com. They have red brass, yellow brass and
copper in sheets.
http://www.monsterslayer.com/miscpages/Cop&BrasS&W.htm
Kat >^.,.^<
From: Hillary Greenslade <hillaryrg at yahoo.com>
Date: May 24, 2006 6:44:41 PM CDT
To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Brass Sheet
Two kinds of brass, 'red brass' (higher copper content) & 'yellow
brass' (higher tin content, more
gold color); different vendors may carry either or one only, so know
which one you want.
Metalliforus is good, as mentioned: http://www.metalliferous.com/
index.html
I think you can also buy it at Rio Grande Jewelry Supply, though
their catalog is not online, you
can call them: www.riogrande.com
Also, check out Indian Jewelry Supply at: http://www.ijsinc.com/
Catalog online, and they will send you a CD catalog; didn't see
yellow brass on their page.
Also, some of the smaller hardware stores, like Ace, will carry a
display from 'K&S' metals
company, in a white and red container, with all shapes and sizes of
brass and steel sheet, tubes,
wires, etc. They are reasonably priced; and would be local.
Hillary
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