aluminum sheet sources

SandySteel · 02-22-2004, 08:05 PM

Anyone have recommendations about where to purchase sheet aluminum in the Portland area? I am looking to purchase some to try to make some fishing accessories like trays and boxes and the like. I am taking a metals class and get to use a TIG and MIG welder. Thought I would try my hand at bending and welding some aluminum.

FISHIN FUN · 02-22-2004, 08:09 PM

TRY CLACKAMAS STEEL - THAY HAVE SALVAGE METAL - LOTS OF NEW ODDS & ENDS
FF

Islander · 02-22-2004, 08:49 PM

I get my work like that done at Schmeer Sheet metal on NW Thurman in Portland. Nice guys, fair. I'm sure they'd give you info about material sources.

Spotted Owl · 02-22-2004, 09:59 PM

Used to be able to get metal of all kinds at Zidels

02-22-2004, 10:04 PM

Alaska Copper in SE Portland might have it.

Ragnar · 02-23-2004, 06:11 AM

SandySteel,
I used to work for Pro-tech Inds (6 or 7 yrs.). in Vancouver, WA.
If you are looking for some smaller pieces, they have some in their scrap bins there.
I was just thinking that you might not want to buy an entire sheet, but then again you just might.
If that's the case, they have whole sheets there as well.

If you'd like any assistance on your projects, shoot me an email.
Good luck,
Ragnar

Redneck · 02-23-2004, 08:32 AM

i bought all the aluminum for my driftboat from Pacific Metals Co. in portland. they have it all at great prices, but you have to buy it in big sheets. if you want small pieces and don't mind paying a litte more try Metal Supermarkets. they'll cut any size/length you want. its close to costco near the airport.
redneck

[ 02-23-2004, 09:33 AM: Message edited by: Redneck ]

1pump · 02-23-2004, 08:48 AM

Clackamas Steel is a good place. They sell their remnants by the pound, and you can haul off quite a bit of material for dirt cheap.

SandySteel · 02-23-2004, 06:28 PM

Now that I have taken this class I seriously want to invest in a welder but am not sure what I should go after. I am pretty sure that I want a MIG welder but would also like to be able to weld with stick both AC and DC. I have a 220 plug in my garage already so I am not limited there. Anyone have a recommendation for the unit to go after?

Eric

02-23-2004, 06:30 PM

Red or blue, don't buy junk. Is your 220 circuit a 50 amp? You will need at least this much.

[ 02-23-2004, 07:33 PM: Message edited by: Keta ]

Redneck · 02-23-2004, 06:36 PM

if you're going to be welding thin metals (especially less than 1/8" aluminum) i'd recommend a TIG welder. its much easier to control the heat and filler material than a MIG machine. a MIG machine gets the job done as well. i think MIG is better on thicker materials. i used a MIG welder when i build my aluminum drift boat and there were times when i wished i knew how to operate a TIG welder. they are nice when you don't want to add much filler material. as far as brands, you can't go wrong with a Miller or Lincoln. also, you might as well buy a 220V so you can handle thicker materials if you ever need to.
redneck

Rippenlips · 02-23-2004, 07:25 PM

SandySteel, I have a Lincoln power MIG255 and Miller 175 TIG. They are both great. If you want to weld a lot of aluminum get the TIG. You can weld thin steel with the MIG if you use smaller wire. If you want to try mine out sometime let me know. I also have a 15 ton press brake to make boxes for the boat and other things.

Jon T
503-519-5366