To Tweakie, or anyone else in the UK. Where in this country, do you, or where would you, get your sheet aluminium, or block aluminium from? Any places in particular to avoid? Gray
Franco, not sure where you are in the US, but if by chance you are in Southern California, I can help. Actually, there are a lot of places around here, so you might find some place close to you. In California: I have used Pattons Steel - they have several locations. http://www.pattonscorp.com/ KH Steel is in Riverside. http://www.khmetals.com/ Industrial metal supply - several locations. http://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/Locations If you don't live in Southern California, you might google "metal supply" (wherever you live). I have only ever used two companies online: https://www.stainlesssupply.com/order-metal-online/ They are really good, but don't carry aluminum. http://www.onlinemetals.com/ These guys will have what you need.
Franco: For the US, I can add: http://www.speedymetals.com/default.aspx http://www.onlinemetalsupply.com/ Both have reasonable shipping rates. Depending on need, ebay can also be a good source of drops and overruns.
I fancied making a bed out of aluminium channel. Bit pricey for me at the moment. But if I make a smaller machine for milling I'll definitely go that way. You could make a decent platen for a reasonable price that way. Gray
Thank you for the links! I will certainly use them on my next project and report on how the experience is going to be.
Not sure if this is available for you in the UK, but it seems like a great price for here. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MQA26Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MQA11C