Extruded aluminium stand material

[IWuzADuck]

Has anyone sourced their extruded aluminum directly from the manufacturer?
I'm finishing off my stand plan and have worked out a deal for the aluminum stock and connectors directly from the manufacturer in China.

Has anyone else done this and experiences?
I've done this for other unrelated projects and been pleased.

 

[Ltlevil1]

I have not, but have learned that TNutz.com has the best prices on hardware and smaller pieces. If you do visit, look down at the bottom of the web page where people either didn't pick up orders or they may have a surplus of something you need. Let us know how it goes and if you don't want to post public, shoot me PM with who, what wise finish machine qualities etc...

 

[siggy]

What materials are you using? Is it a special profile that requires importing? eBay, Amazon will have most of what's out there.

 

[IWuzADuck]

Not looking for anything non-standard. I used to buy things this way from India and thought I'd give a look. Looks like $5/meter cut and shipped.

 

[siggy]

Not looking for anything non-standard. I used to buy things this way from India and thought I'd give a look. Looks like $5/meter cut and shipped.

Wow, that's a fantastic price if it's the same grade. Considering shipping that's 25% of the cost of US sourced materials.
No wonder we put tariffs on aluminum.

 

[MaddyP]

I have been sourcing from Misumi for all my aluminum stands. Much better pricing than 80/20 and more profile options.

 

[drtrash]

Built one with 80/20 materials sourced through a vendor

 

[theatrus]

I have been sourcing from Misumi for all my aluminum stands. Much better pricing than 80/20 and more profile options.

This is a good tip :thumbsup:

As to the OP, watch out for customs surprises. It all varies.

 

[cmoore806]

anyone have experience with the t-slotted track from McMaster.com?