Admanfrd Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Hi again guys, I want to get into working copper and was wondering where I can get the cheapest copper stock. 1/4" is pretty much what i will use. I am wondering if speedymetals is a good place. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 BEST place would be the junk yard and to pay junk yard prices. If you are looking for 1/4 inch thickness, then find the folks that are using that material and talk to them about their scraps. Copper is like oats. If you want fresh new oats, then expect the fresh new price. If you can use oats that has been run through the horse, then the cost and be greatly reduced. For new material, let your fingers do the walking across the internet. Do not forget the local suppliers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the iron dwarf Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 in the junkyards look for things containing copper of that size, large old oil cooled welding sets maybe, they wont be easy to find. dont buy from places that supply small quantities to hobbyists, they will be expensive, here I know places that supply industry with non ferrous and specialist metals but expect it to cost a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 1/4" plate, or rod? Where I work we literally go through tons of copper barstock a month, from .0625" - .875" diameter depending on the parts we are making. We end up with lots of bar ends that range from 6"-10" long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianinsa Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 1/4"? That's very thick? You would be amazed at what you can do with 0.5mm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianinsa Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 Sorry that would be about 1/48" to you. Thin stock is easier to find, cheaper and easier to work. Once you've got your techniques ironed out switch to thicker stock.Good luckIan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the iron dwarf Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 here I can get sheet copper from hot water tanks 18 to 20g from the older ones without the foam insulation on and 22g from later ones. got copper and brass buzzbars up to 4" wide and 1/4" thick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstar.esq Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Bus bars from electrical panels, switchgear or meterbanks would be a decent option. It can be a lot of work to get an oddly shaped piece of copper out of. Nearly every electrician knows a salvage guy. Maybe you could follow up with a local sparky who could put you in touch with one. Offer to pay a tick over the salvage rate and they may take it, but be prepared to wait if you're looking for larger stuff. Don't confuse wire sizes with round bar stock. #4 AWG is about the largest solid conductor you'll commonly encounter. Large wire sizes are typically stranded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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