Large Scale Central

Aluminum rod given away at ECLSTS

General Discussion
#1

Last spring at ECLSTS in the alcove someone was handing out small pieces of an aluminum like rod (about .050) from some manufacturing process. I think it was some type of welding or soldering process. This stuff is stiffer than aluminum - hardness more like brass but it is an aluminum color. I grabbed a pretty good hand full, but they are all small pieces. I’d like to be able to source longer pieces for some project ideas. What I have will be great for grabs, etc. I’d like longer pieces for cut levers, etc.

Anyone know what this stuff is? If I knew what it is I can probably source it.

#2

Sure wish I could edit the title :((http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-frown.gif)): Given Away it should say.

#3

#4

(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

#5

Jon,

I get all my rod (Whatever material I need) in 3’ lengths from McMaster Carr.

Click on the type, then rods.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#metals/=13utfs2

#6

John,

His problem is he doesn’t know what material it is!

#7

You guys said : rod

#8

John,

Might try checking out a local welding supply store,

you can usually buy aluminum,brass, and steel rod

for a 1/3 of what the hobby and hardware stores charge.

That is how I buy all of my “rod” supplies

Rick

#9

Joe Zullo said:

John,

His problem is he doesn’t know what material it is!

Zakly :slight_smile:

Looks like aluminum, but harder. Bends and hold shape like brass. Pretty sure it’s an aluminum alloy, just not sure which one. I suppose I could take it to teh local welder’s supply and ask if they recognize it.

#10

When it was given to me, I thought the guy said it was aluminum welding rod.

#11

David - That’s what I thought it was, but it must be some kind of alloy because it is much harder than aluminum wire of the same gauge. As it turns out, I need to get some aluminum welded, so I’ll ask the guy at the shop what the rod is composed of.

#12

Yeah, I agree with David. I thought it was an aluminum welding rod. Doesn’t the one end look slighty melted?

#13

Yes it does. I went to the welding shop today, but the boss was out. Might see him tomorrow.

#14

Chatted with one of the welders here at the office today. It is most likely Alloy 4043 which is common in welding 6061 aluminum. The next most likely possibility is Alloy 5356 which is used in welding the 5000 series of aluminum. The 4043 will be the lesser expensive of the two alloys.

#15

Thanks Bob. After doing some digging on the net, my conclusion was that it was an alloy. There are dozens of them for different uses. I’ll take a sample to my welder guy tomorrow and see if he can guess the identity.

#16

Still think a trip to a welding supply store would resolve your problem quickly.

Though Bob is probably correct with his “welders” information.

Rick