Note also that a potential source of manufacturers/suppliers is the Thomas Register, found in most public libraries, or now on-line: http://www.thomasregister.com/
Not a company or anything, but for more info on crafts supplies, send e-mail to info@crafts-council.pe.ca and put "WANTED:" at the beginning of the subject line. This is a non-profit service of PEI Crafts Council in Charlottetown, Price Edward Island, Canada. They maintain a list of crafts suppliers and can answer questions like "give me a list of ceramics suppliers East of the Mississippi" or "who sells ConeArt kilns?" (per a post 9-Nov-1993)
In the UK, distributed by Eagland Machine Tool, 01420-23830, fax 23804.
CNC conversion kits for large and small machines. Free catalog.
500-page catalog costs $5, but they pay $4.10 to mail it to you (at 1994 postage rates). Airplane kits (real ones), as well as parts and raw material such as aluminum stock, composites, epoxies, foam, and spruce. This is not as complete or as universal as McMaster-Carr, but it has a number of things you won't find elsewhere.
Air damping dashpots and air cylinders. Besides being possibly useful in themselves, some Stirling engine builders have used Airpot graphite pistons and cylinders.
Deals in Jet lathes and accessories.
"Standard Precision Mechanical Components" such as small gears. Reputedly not cheap, but Small Parts Inc isn't either.
Membership is around $45 or so per year. They have an excellent magazine, Horological Times. Their orientation is more towards watch/clock repair. They offer many courses along those lines. The "Project Extended" courses are given in Cincinnati, but they have many other courses (around 5 days) given around the country. They have at least 100 videotapes on various aspects of lathe work and clock repair.
There were a few Craftsman lathes that were apparently *not* made by Clausing or their predecessors, called AA Products. Jim has a catalog of sorts; send an 8 1/2 x 11 self-addressed-stamped-envelope with 2 stamps. Include the model number in the request and he will send a copy of the manual, a list of customers, and a list of parts sources.
Tools for jewelry-making, perhaps more. Catalog is $4.
Former publishers of Model Engineer, in England. ME is now published
by a sister company, Nexus. However, Argus still has interesting books
that are described elsewhere in this FAQ, and may still be a source
for back issues of ME.
The US distributor for some of the Argus/Nexus publications is:
Wise Owl Worldwide Publications
1926 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Suite 204
Redondo Beach, CA 90277-6145
(310) 944-5033, Fax: (310) 944-9963
Full range of hand tools & Sherline Products. Catalog $2.00
"We represent most any level of NC programming needs from basic to complex. Yet, our software is designed to be interoperable with each other and with all other non-proprietary software that conforms to Industry standards. In other words, obsolescence and continuous upgrades is not corporate strategy." They are also a distributor for several related products from other vendors. "We will also work with you if you have any special applications or needs. In fact, we do both contract NC part programming work for mills up to 5 axis, and also mechanical design work (AutoCAD R12)."
Shop videos, Books, EMCO Maier & Sherline Products
Very similar to Stock Drive Products (q.v.). Separate catalogs for metric vs. english parts. They undoubtedly have a few items that Stock Drive does not carry, and vice-versa.
Catalog $5
Lathes, milling machines, presses, brakes, from puny to industrial. Accessories and parts for popular machines from Myford, South Bend, Atlas, Sherline, Emco-Maier, etc. Hand tools and books of interest to hobbyists and professionals. Woodworking power tools Steel, brass, aluminum, tool steel in small quantities.
110 page free catalog
"One of the world's leading suppliers of miniature bearings" Their web site lists a separate area for hobby supplies.
Discontinued parts for Atlas, Craftsman, Clausing lathes. Quadrants, reverse gear boxes, lead screws, half-nuts, spindles, steady rests, and so on. No catalog, so call.
They also have a Kansas City office:
Jules Tools (Jules Borel & Co.)
1110 Grand Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64106
(800)776-6858 orders, (800)776-6865 customer service, (816)421-6110,
(800)776-6862 fax
Jewelers' tools: main 172-page catalog "T" is color, slick paper, no prices (separate price list is enclosed). Also catalog "J" for jewelry, "H" for horological (watchmaking) supplies, and "F" of jewelry findings. Specialty tool catalog "T<year>S" is 50 pages B&W and does have prices.
They have nearly any gear iminaginable, IN STOCK. Their prices are lower than you might imagine, and delivery is good.
Two books that deal with patination, at least in part: "Cheap Thrills in the Tool Shop", and "Patinas for Small Studios".
Brownells is a fine firm that specializes in gunsmithing, though a lot of their merchandise is great for general-purpose metalworking, such as steel, brass, and nickel silver. Catalog is $4.00, refundable with first order of $40 or more (but if you can convince them you are a dealer, then it is free). They have lower prices for gun dealers, "enciphered" in the catalog in a manner similar to the following --
Item: Foo Bar Grips an9xx20dd Price: $19.95
They sell chemicals used in patination, and have recipes as well.
Have a 56-page list of their books and videos (British PAL 625/50hz) available at no cost. Engineering books and videos; rail, road and sea transportation from the USA, UK and France; mining, wireless and electrical subjects etc.
A machine supplier attuned to the hobbyist metalworker. They carry Sherline, Emco, Jet, and other machines. Also books, hardware, raw materials, etc. Highly recommended by one net reader. Catalog is $1
Supplier of various metals, but they also can supply CNC mills and/or kits to convert existing milling machines. Also some CNC lathe work. Several articles in recent years in HSM regarding CNC conversions were written by the folks at Cardinal. Catalog is $2. Also some books, and plans from a company called Wood-Met.
Equipment and materials sized for chess pieces, etc., made in pewter. Probably other, related stuff as well.
Supplier of watch and clock tools.
Reportedly has all kinds of small to medium plating and casting supplies, anodizing kits, and is very helpful.
Publications concentrate on forging, blacksmithing, though all aspects of metalworking are covered. A good, well-organized collection. They also publish a magazine, Anvil.
Centaur Forge is the source for blacksmithing supplies from tongs to furnaces. Also a source of horse shoeing supplies.
A Los Angeles company, they sell a wide range of both extension and compression springs, and also some more specialized springs like disk springs and rubber-tube springs. Their catalog is free and lists springs sorted by diameter, length, wire diameter,and material, and list number of coils, solid height, and calculated spring rate.
The catalog does not include prices, but prices are reasonable, but there is a $25 minimum order.
Castings, books, supplies, accessories. For trains, stationary steam, gasoline engines. The catalog costs $4.
They have every size of hex brass in 12' lengths from 1/8" to 7/16" by 1/32" increments, and then it goes up to 3" hex by 1/16" with some odd sizes thrown in such as 23/32. They got it in round, square, flat, gauge, strip, dimension plate, wire, rectangular rod, pipe, round tube, square tube, rectangular tube, angle, channel. They state that small orders are important.
This is not only brass, but bronze, copper, monel, muntz, nickel silver, etc., in several alloys. I would doubt they have every alloy in every size. Ask for the Conklin Index. For locals the phone is 212-691-5100.
(however, it is reported that a minimum first order is $100, and subsequently $50)
They sell a pyrometer (high-temp thermometer) for gas forges and such, Unit 9-85 which comes with a 6-foot 2200-degree probe for $60. They also have a high temp probe (3000 degrees; Unit 14S4-1, $17). Probably lots of other related items, but this came up in discussion on low-cost pyrometers around 3/25/93.
Apparently casting supplies. They have a free video tape and info packet on casting metal in rubber molds. The rubber can take heat up to 840F for zinc alloys.
Cowells sells two main products: a small lathe (88mm swing, 200mm between centers) and a small milling machine (200mm by 50mm bed). Also vertical blade jig-saws. Somewhat similar to Sherlines, these are described as being a bit better in quality and considerably more powerful. Cost is roughly double that of a Sherline. Their USA connection:
Cowells USA
Post Office Box 843
Richmond, KY 40476-0843
(606) 624-9269, (606) 625-1191 (FAX)
There is also a book, "Cowells 90 Lathe" by A. Smith.
At the very least, books on patinizing such as The Coloring, Bronzing and Patinization of Metals.
Manufacturer of electroplating equipment.
Another source for the book Machine Tool Reconditioning (see also Machine Tool Publications). Dapra sells scraping and measurement tools, as well.
Precision drill and end-mill sharpening equipment. Some of their complete systems are very expensive and intended for large production shops (around $2000). They also sell fixtures for use with existing grinders (about $250) and sharpeners for taps, reamers, and countersinks.
Specializes in prototype and minature design. Authorized Sherline distributor, and produces some custom tooling for Sherline machines.
A complete selection of diamond cutting bits, saws, powders and compounds. Free catalog.
Source for aluminum, steel, tubing, bar, sheets, etc. Advertises that they supply: machine shop, race car, airplane building, etc. These people are nice and helpful. They have shipped orders same day with no errors.
Metal fabrication equipment, welding supplies, etc. Reportedly, the prices are rather high.
Makers (importer?) of the Unimat and Unimat PC lathes, small mills, and such. They will/do sell direct, you can get a discount (5-15%) by dealing with Campbell or Blue Ridge on a package. Good customer service and parts department.
Lathes, milling machines, etc, from small to large NC machines. Hand tools, cutting tools, storage cabinets, shop supplies Maker (not just distributer) of turret bed lathes.
However, many net folks have reported that quality and service are between awful and terrible (this author included), and that Enco should be avoided. This is not a unanimous opinion, but close.
Note that Enco was recently purchased by the very excellent company MSC (early 1997) and that things may improve (indeed, we've had one report that things are in fact much better now).
230 page catalog (as of 1994)
"Specializing in Foundry, Sculpture, & Molding materials"
Gateway Clocks is apparently a one-man business, in the person of W. R. Smith, author of several clockmaking books and one on clockmaking and model-making (see earlier section in the FAQ).
A stocking wholesale distributor of industrial supplies. No experience with them.
Jewelry-making tools, perhaps more. On the 800 number, there is a voice mail system, and if you just want a catalog you have to wait for the last prompt when they let you speak for a longer period without being cut off.
Their Accu-Finish line of "advanced sharpening equipment" includes grinders and fixtures for lathe cutting bits and similar tools. Also, most affordable for the home shop, the Grind-R-Table for use with existing grinders. They often run ads in the magazines, or you can call for information.
Wholesale supplier of industrial and commercial equipment and supplies, with branches in all 50 states of the USA, and Puerto Rico. Their web site includes a "terms of access" page that had to be written by a team of lawyers working overtime!
"80,000 inch/metric cutting tools, measuring instruments & equipment for the machine shop." $50 min/order, free catalog.
Lost wax casting supplies for jewelry making. Silver solder and flux, gold solder, nickel silver, etc. Free catalog on request. Apparently not what you'd call low prices, but they do have a good selection.
West of Mississippi:
P.O. Box 2069
Bellingham, WA 98227
(800) 541-5537, (800) 225-0021 (FAX)
East of Mississippi:
2406 Reach Road
Williamsport, PA 17701
(800) 523-4777, (800) 438-5901 (FAX)
Imports a wide range of power tools and accessories. Metal lathes, milling machines, as well as lots of woodworking tools. They also sell a belt sander called the "Knife Belt Sander/Buffer." Among the importers of Taiwan-made tools, Grizzly seems to rank fairly well compared with Enco or Harbor Freight, though some consider Jet to be a bit better (at higher cost).
They will accept small one-off cast iron jobs (and probably other work as well, just don't know their full scope). They seem to do good work and are reasonably priced, according to D. E. Johnson who wrote an article in HSM about building a hefty milling machine attachment for a lathe. The pattern for that project is "on file" with them and can be requested.
They mostly sell cheap tools. Usually cheap = inexpensive, sometimes cheap = junky. All (or most all) imported. They are best for items which have a lot of metal in them and for which fine/precision is not your main objective. They have really great buys on anvils, cold chisel sets, screwdriver sets, tinsnips, crowbars, ... and free shipping (other than a $2.95 handling fee) for orders over $50.
Neil has many lathe accessories and kits, many for Myford lathes, and George Thomas kits from Model Engineering. You might enclose a couple of international reply coupons when asking him for a catalog.
Mentioned as another source of parts for Craftsman/Atlas lathes.
Replacement parts for Bridgeport milling machines. Reputedly the quality is excellent. They have a catalog with exploded views of all assemblies. Cheaper than Bridgeport. See also Lee's and J.R. Machine.
"Serving All Your Hobby Needs." Also "The exclusive United States importer of Minicraft Precision Power Tools."
If you need a special brush or wire wheel, these folks probably have it.
Cutting tools, hand tools, air tools, lathes, milling machines, you name it. Shop supplies, tool and die maker supplies, you name it. Metal of all sorts, you name it. New and used press die sets. Surplus rounds and plates. Buy by the foot, buy by the pound. Most of their metal stock is not listed in the catalog(s). Call and ask what they've got. Definitely oriented toward professional users, not hobbyists. Full line distributors for most instrument makers, Starrett, Mitutoyo, etc. Quality ranges from ultra-classy, great deals, garbage-at-any-price import.
Small catalog several times a year, 200 page catalog once or twice a year, and a 750 page full-line catalog once every five years. They came out with a full-line catalog in 92. Get one if you can.
ISCAR manufactures metal cutting tools for industry. "Iscar is a full-source supplier producing a complete range of innovative turning, milling and drilling tool lines. Its cutting inserts are composed of advanced, proprietary cutting materials including coated and uncoated carbides, cermets, silicon nitrides, sub-micron compositions, and CVD and PVD (chemical and physical vapor deposition) layers."
I don't believe ISCAR sells retail, but instead are carried by distributors such as MSC and others (see web pages).
Frequently mentioned as a reliable supplier. Regional offices in 10 states (see their web site).
Patina solutions and chemicals. Available from some jewelry supply houses.
Jet sells lathes, milling machines, etcetera. Usually they do not sell directly to a customer, preferring to go through distributors such as Alley Supply, Campbell Tools, and others. Their home page includes a list of distributors. The general consensus suggests Jet is somewhat higher in quality and price than Grizzley's products.
Aimed at the metalcaster and sculptor. Clays, modeling tools, shellcasting kits, plasters, various kits for making life casts, waxes, pyrometers, sandcasting/foundry tools, foundry metal ingots/plate/rod (SiBronze, 85-5-5-5, aluminum, copper), patina solutions and raw chemicals to make your own, safety equipment, etc. Looks like they target the school foundry and small art studio market.
This outfit has been casting iron since 1873, and preserves old machinery and methods as a sort of living history museum. They also operate a machine shop entirely from a water-powered line shaft! They have done serious commmercial work, including grey iron castings to 4000 lb. for industrial and architectural applications. They do a lot of reproductions and one-offs for steam and gas engine nuts. They also run a pattern shop.
As of late 2000 their status is uncertain. The foundry has received funding to preserve the site as a working musuem, as the Samuel Knight Chapter of the Society for Industrial Archaeology. A video is available, "Pouring Iron", from Phoenix Media, 5252-1/2 Boyd Avenue, Oakland CA 94618, for $20 plus $3 shipping. Refer to their web site, http://reality.sgi.com/csp/knight-sia for up-to-date information.
Bridgeport and South Bend parts, new and used. The owner, Lee Zinn, does used machinery rebuilding of all kinds and has many new and used parts and accessories (chucks etc.). Will also make parts if unavailable, or parts that are better than original if needed (e.g. South Bend back gears like to break). See also High Quality Tools and J.R. Machine.
Tiny screws, nuts, washers. Sizes 0000-16 to 2-56 and popular UNM sizes stocked in many head styles and lengths in both brass and burr-free stainless. Matching taps, chasers, and gages available. Write/FAX for catalog or send for prompt quotation. (However, their prices are reportedly quite high).
Supplies and accessories for clockmaking.
"Model Project Plans & Kits". Mostly small engines, but other projects are available, and some raw materials and other supplies such as graphite for Stirling engine pistons.
Make replacement parts for Bridgeport machines, at a lower cost than from Bridgeport. Catalog available.
Cutting tools, hand tools, air tools, supplies Quality ranges from ultra-classy, great deals, garbage-at-any-price import.
150 page catalog, but you have to mail a $2 check (won't accept phone orders for catalogs!).
Books, kits, plans, tools, parts for clocks and watches.
Sands and fire clays for casting. Though it's liable to increase cost significantly, they do ship and they will split bags. Very helpful in terms of making sure you get the right product for your use.
Plans, castings, accessories for model rail motive power.
New replacement parts and accessories for Logan Lathes and Montgomery Wards Lathes.
Logan Actuator Co. is owned and operated by the same family as originally founded Logan Engineering Co.
The primary source, apparently, for the book "Machine Tool Reconditioning. As of January 1998, the price is listed as $92.95 plus $5 shipping. See also Dapra Corp.
Also has stocking sales centers in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Prints an annual 2600+ page catalog. Very complete supplier with tools, screws, shelving, wheels, lamps, heaters, air conditioners, plumbing, electrical supplies, plastics, metals, pumps, containers, motors, gauges, paint brushes, hooks, door hardware, pH testers, microscopes, etc. Metric and english threads and sizes, too. Small bits of information, reference charts and advice are scattered throughout the catalog.
No minimum order. Satisfaction Guaranteed, whatever that means. No problem with returns, but they ask that you get specific return instructions before shipping anything back. All prices subject to change. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Prices are quoted plus actual shipping.
Experience with McMaster-Carr is very good. They do update (read: raise) their prices frequently, so don't believe catalog prices. Get a quote before buying. Expect the catalog to be 10% low. Shipments have been prompt, complete, and accurate. Prices seem high, but they make up for it with "one-stop" shopping.
They now have their catalog on CD-ROM, and also an on-line catalog (requires Adobe Acrobat 3.0).
New and used machinery, parts, accessories, tooling, and so on.
Clocks, clock parts, clock repairing tools, etc.
Also: 1216 Capitol Dr, Unit A
Addison, IL 60101
(630) 628-8620, (630) 628-8747 (FAX)
$3 catalog, which contains decent descriptions of what they sell (hardness, machinability, etc.). Ferrous and nonferrous metals (including Nickel Silver), fasteners, and a few nonmetallic materials such as nylon and teflon. A source for small quantities.
www.sc-c.com/metallathe Mostly castings and raw-parts kits for common and useful lathe accessories, mostly for lathes similar to 9- or 10-inch South Bend and Atlas-style units. A T-slot cross slide, rear mounting tool post, faceplate, milling attachment, boring/facing head, large steady rest, boring and ball-turning tool post, and others. Also a toolpost grinder kit. You can order kits, or just drawings.
Supplier of Brass, Copper, sheet, plate, bar, etc.
English wheels and kits, videos on shaping sheet metal, power hammer kit.
A web-based discussion group on metal shaping and related topics.
They have a growing selection of small nuts, bolts, screws, etc. Their prices seem reasonable, and they'll sell in small lots. Call and ask for a catalog.
CNC parts such as software, PC controller boards, amplifiers, position sensing, and motors. Kits to do conversions on Sherline lathes and mills, and Bridgeport mills. Also Sherline lathes and mills pre-converted for CNC.
Miniature tools & things, including Sherline lathes and mills. "Weensy" nonferrous tube, rod, sheet. Everything sold in small quantities. Prices not superb, but some of the items can't be found elsewhere.
Sometimes have sale catalogs with some items marked down as much as 50%.
CNC software; complete small CNC mills (unknown mfg though it uses a Sherline headstock and motor; also one based strictly on a Sherline), CNC lathe (based on an Emco compact-5 or a Sherline), and retrofit kits for Sherline, Emco, and Prazi.
"Precision manufactured by us for stock and order. Sizes 0000-160 to 2-56 and popular UNM sizes stocked in many head styles and lengths in both brass and burr-free stainless. Matching taps, chasers and gages available. Write for catalog or send print for prompt quotation."
Mexico Orders processed through:
2125 N 77 Sunshine Strip
Unit 3
Harlington, TX 78550
Tel 95-800-217-3351
International Orders processed through:
601 N Shepard
Ste 360
Houston, TX 77007
Tel 01 (713) 862-8665, 01 (713) 862-7921 (FAX)
Their 98/99 catalog is 4460 pages, and their selection has been described as "dumbfounding". They claim same-day shipping and seem to meet this goal. The catalog is free in the 50 USA states, and Puerto Rico and Canada. A CD-ROM version has been rumored to be in development.
Outside the US, their current (September 1996) policy is:
* The minimum order size for export orders is US$500
* Only products in stock at the time of shipment will be included on
the order
* MSC will not process backorders or provide for special orders
Myford has been making fine small lathes (7 inch, 10 inch, probably a few others) for many years, and at least in the UK they are a common addition to the serious home shop. Quite a few articles have been published over the years describing home-built accessories. In the USA, Blue Ridge is a Myford distributor.
Parts for Sheldon lathes, among other things. Not cheap, no used parts, but the parts are in stock. Example price (July 1995) $311 for cross feed screw for 10" Sheldon lathe.
A recommended supplier of venturi (non-blower) forges. They do have a catalog, and they are more than helpful when you call. They have several different styles and sizes and are excellent for those just starting out or those already well into this stuff. They are good, simple units and most of all, they work!!! (from "the" Jim Hrisoulas)
Video tapes, as discussed elsewhere in the FAQ.
A source for books, such as Robert Young's books on patinas.
A sister company of Argus, they now publish Model Engineer magazine. The USA agent is Wise Owl Worldwide Publications.
Brass and copper mill products (rod, bar, wire, sheet, plate, tube), including Nickel Silver.
Usual range of precision components. Spur gears down to .25" O.D.
"... books on just about every subject about metal working there is."
Sort of a hardware store by mail. Gasoline engines, pressure washers, hydraulic pumps and cylinders, air compressors, tools, and so on.
Mentioned as a source for pyrometers and/or materials for making thermocouples and other process-measurement stuff.
"Quality Tools for the Home Shop Machinist"
OMW makes a line of small tools for home shop machinsts. At this
writing (12/11/1998) they make a radius tool ("ball turning") for
small lathes such as the Sherline or Taig, and a tailstock die
holder. More products are planned for the future.
"Small quantities fast!". Though some think their prices are a bit high, small orders seem to be their specialty.
New/used machinery and parts. "We also cater to the home shop machinist market." Mentioned as a source of AA lathe parts (some Craftsman lathes were originally made by AA).
A very-well-stocked supplier with a very large selection of drills, taps, reamers, and other machining tools. However, in some cases their prices seem outrageous, so check around first. On the other hand, they may be the only source for that odd-sized spiral-flute reamer you need, or that #00 tap. Their catalogs are free; there is a small (196 pages in 1993) one and a large one (410 pages, catalog no. P-912 as of late 1992), so ask for both (they may only send you the short one if you say you're a hobbyist).
CNC kits for Sherline lathes and mills, and larger machines. Also completely-assembled systems.
Usual range of precision components. Gears down to less than 3/8" O.D.
(Dave Williams writes:)
I finally found a place that will sell steel or aluminum stock in small quantities. I'm pretty happy with this place - they're fully computerized, know *exactly* what's in inventory, and usually have it cut and waiting before I can get from the cashier's to the warehouse. I've bought very small quantities of metal with no hassle. They've also special ordered some offbeat sizes for me, no problems, no extra charges.
Since getting small quantities of metal has some up in this group from time to time, I asked them if they sold mail order. They do, and they'll take orders by phone, mail, or fax.
Used (and new?) machinery, including Clausing and parts. Reportedly a nice company to do business with.
Minature steam engine and boiler kits. Minature machine tools kits: drill press, lathe, grinder and shaper. Accessories: boiler feed pumps, speciality taps and dies, whistles, books, etc. Catalog $3.
Send a blank email to ping@technical.powells.portland.or.us for an automatic response with further instructions. Significant selection of new & used books on machine shop practice, metallurgy, forge work, among tens of thousands of other used books. You can search the new & used catalog via email or the World Wide Web: http://www.technical.powells.portland.or.us
Similar to Cole's but heavier on the trains. Detailed engineering drawings for about 15 different engines. They also carry various metals.
Publishes the Machinist's Ready Reference.
Prazi is a brand of German-made small lathes and milling machines. This company is the US importer/representative. Prazi seems to make good equipment but the prices are reportedly quite high for what you get.
March 4, 1995: It was mentioned that these folks have titanium files. Not cheap, but they "last like crazy".
These guys do nothing but play with nichrome and other heating elements. They rebuild and refurbish industrial heating elements for furnaces and heaters. They also sell nichrome in 1 lb. lots. They stock every size and shape of nichrome and ferrochrome wire available in the US and all those wierd little ceramic stand-offs for mounting them. They will also design an element to your specifications of amps and volts and heat output.
Lathe tooling and such, fair prices, and often have the same item at different quality levels (more quality means more money, of course). One reader compared them to MSC and J&L.
Foundry supplies, furnaces, sand, crucibles, tongs, etcetera.
Titanium, niobium, mokume-gane, shakudo and shibuichi metals. Supplies for anodizing reactive metals (this does NOT include aluminum). Also an extensive line of findings, Sparkie welders and other supplies. Free catalog.
Plans and parts for stationary, marine, rail and road steam engines and a number of IC engines as well. Associated parts, materials and books (will ship internationally).
Prints a 350+ page catalog twice a year. Very complete assortment of knobs, screws, clamps, springs, air hoses and couplings, drills, mills, taps, machinist's tooling, and books. No minimum order, 30-day return with full refund. Offers rework and specialty items with special conditions and terms. However, they want a company name before sending a catalog.
Mentioned as a seller of CNC tools. The RM-6 is the model of their bench model mill.
Jewelry-making tools. Part of the Bell Group, which also owns River Gems and Findings (below).
Jewelry-making tools, raw metals such as Nickel Silver, more. Apparently a wholesaler, as they want a state tax ID or business license number before sending a catalog. Part of the Bell Group, which also owns Rio Grande Supply, above.
"Specialty metals since 1981" "Rare alloys & non-standard sizes". Invar 36, Invar 36 FM, Super Invar, among others.
(courtesy of Jon Bork)
Rutland is a general machine shop supply house, with a good selection of tools, machines and accessories. They primarily deal with professionals, but I have dealt with them in person and by phone and they have always been helpful and quick. They send out several catalogs yearly including a new safety equipment supply catalog. Their prices are reasonable and they stock both top of the line and "quality import" selections for most items.
(Will Martin reports they ask for a company name before sending out a catalog)
Watch and clock movements, repair parts, supplies, tools, equipment. 320-page catalog $2.50.
Scanlon sells many books on clocks.
General line of precision hardware, gears, pulleys, clutches, etc.
Aside from the brass/copper implied by the name, also supply Nickel Silver (which is mostly copper and contains no silver anyway!). Probably a source for various clock brasses.
Small precision drill presses and milling machines, including a whopping expensive CNC mill ($15,000). Power feeds for mills. CNC small lathe, CNC add-on for large mills.
Sherline makes small mills and small lathes that are generally highly regarded for small work such as model-making. Note that many other suppliers also stock Sherline, though you can order directly from the factory (at the same price) as well. The advantage of finding a local supplier is that you may be able to try one out, or at least look at it, before spending your money.
Nice line of supplies and hardware for prototype builders. Specifically targeted for small quantities. Catalog includes prices. More fun than the Sears catalog used to be. See also Stock Drive, Berg, and Allied Devices which may be less expensive.
"Specializing in parts for American-made machinery." This apparently includes the ever-popular Atlas lathe, among others.
Still in South Bend, since 1906. However, current products may be overpriced and no longer appropriate for small home shops. We've also had reports of a real attitude problem on their part.
Specialize in tungsten carbide balls used for making highly finished holes in work. The idea is to drill/bore/ream a hole nearly the desired size, then finish it by forcing a hard sphere through it. Spheric sells the balls, and has accumulated know-how in their use. In firearm manufacturing I believe this is called button rifling or button finishing.
If you need technical info about making springs, they sell a book entitled Handbook of Spring Design for $10 US (as of 1994). See also http://home.earthlink.net/~bazillion/springs.html
Catalog $5.00. They are supposed to have 1/2 to 40hp steam engines as well as parts and plans.
A source for foundry supplies (crucibles, molding tools, tongs, shanks, fluxes, and safety equipment)
Specific crucible sizes stocked appear to be #4 to #70 in clay, graphite, and #10 to #150 in Silicon Carbide. Tell them that you are a hobbyist and would like some literature on foundry equipment. They apparently do not take credit cards but will bill you.
The catalogs are actually published jointly by Stock Drive Products (SDP) and Sterling Instruments (SI). Both are divisions of Designatronics (DSG).
These folks make all sorts of gears, drives, bearings, couplings, and related stuff. Small, not hydroelectric-sized. Ask them for their free publication "Handbook of Gears." They also publish "Handbook of Shafts, Bearings & Couplings," "Handbook of Timing Belts, Chains & Friction Drives," "Handbook of Design Components," "Aluminum Extrusions & Accessories." They also package the whole set (I asked for just the handbook of gears and got all five).
See also W.M. Berg for a similar product line.
Steam engine kits, highly regarded. Coles Power Models is Stuart's U.S. agent.
Sells pre-mixed patina solutions.
Though they originally sold mostly electronic surplus, they now carry a lot of hydraulic surplus and items that may be of metalworking interest such as motors, welders, phase converters, and such. Free catalog.
Jewelry-making tools, metals such as Nickel Silver, more. They ask for a company name and business license or tax ID, but may be willing to send a catalog without them.
Publish a very large number of books on technical subjects; you should be able to order them through any local bookstore.
Taig builds and markets a small 4-inch metal lathe. Though the price is lower than the Sherline, the Taig does not include a motor and cannot cut threads. However, the quality is reported to be high and many Taig owners are happy with the unit.
From England, they publish Engineering in Miniature and other magazines. Similar to Argus, they have clockmaking books as well. They state they are the world's only company specializing in back issues of Model Engineer.
Catalog $2
Mentioned in a post 7/20/95, as a source of Titanium tubing. Minimum order is $100.
Steam engine kits ranging from minature to 15HP. Catalog $5.
"The world leader in titanium mill products distribution". The web pages include a technical reference guide and an FAQ.
Traplet Distribution USA
144 W Sierra Madre Blvd
Sierra Madre, CA 91024-2435
U.S.A.
All U.S. queries should be addressed to Marianne or Kathy.
Tel. (800) 523-1736, Intl +1 818 836 6931
Fax. Intl. +1 818 836 6941
Primary source for "Gas Turbine Engines for Model Aircraft" by Kurt Schreckling, and another book by Kamps. Some model stores may also carry the book(s), such as Sulphur Springs Steam Models Ltd, Box 6165, Chesterfield MO 63006-6165 (per an ad in Feb/Mar '96 "Strictly I.C."). See Traplet's web pages, under "Books" for price and ordering info.
Prints a 500+ page large catalog once per year, and also sales flyers. Very complete line of tooling for machinists, including micrometers, mills, drills, reamers, broaches, taps, collets, tool posts, lathe tools, grinding wheels and stones, files, gages, vices, indicators, precision steel pieces, glops and goos, books, and some power tools. $25.00 minimum order. Visa, MasterCard, American Express accepted. Replace, refund, or full credit within 60 days of purchase (buyer's choice). Prices are subject to change without notice.
Experience with Travers has been good. They are less expensive than McMaster-Carr and other full-price dealers. They sell premium and no-name lines of many similar tools so that you only buy the "quality" that you need. Their performance on orders was once imperfect, but they stand behind their merchandise, so correcting the error was easy, fast, and painless. I have ordered from them many times, so "one minor error out of many" is a good grade.
A small mail order house serving both machine shops and individuals, selling shop suppiles such as cutting tools and precision measuring instruments.
(FDJ is the company name, and sells the Vigor line) Jeweler's tools, video tapes, books, retailing supplies, and many universal tools being targeted at jewelers. Tweezers, ring forms, molds, forges, files, small lathes, loupes, calipers, torches, solders and brazing material, mountings, etc. An informative catalog.
Very wide selection, but prices seem very high.
Publishers of Home Shop Machinist, Projects in Metal, and Live Steam. Some back issues available; older ones are available as parts of several book series. See the individual entries in the "magazines" question. They also publish other books such as "So You Want to Build a Live Steam Locomotive."
Mail order welders and supplies.
Broader selection of hand tools, fewer large machines than IP&S. Fork lifts. No bulk metals, but tool steel, shim stock, threaded rod, etc. Vast selection of cutting tools and grinding wheels. Scattering of interesting surplus items. Definitely oriented toward professional users, not hobbyists. Full line distributors for most instrument makers.
500 page full line catalog twice a year. You have to order by 8 digit stock number, so copy carefully. :-)
6 locations, main site in Warren, MI. Most items at most locations, some items in Michigan only, very few at other locations only. Credit cards, COD's with some payment restrictions $25 minimum order
The other locations:
PO Box 481
Stoughton, MA 02072-0481
1234 Washington Street (Route 138)
Stoughton, MA 02072-3345, 800-343-1008, 617-344-0338, 617-341-0617 (fax)
PO Box 700
Brandon, FL 33509-0700
9212 Adamo Drive
Tampa, FL 33619-2631
800-237-4689, 813-623-3099, 813-623-5816 (fax)
PO Box 470952
Tulsa, OK 74147-0952
9909 East 55th Place
Tulsa, OK 74146-6404
800-331-4075, 918-627-2240, 918-627-2044 (fax)
PO Box 240965
Charlotte, NC 28224-0965
4200 Barringer Drive
Charlotte, NC 28217-1512
800-438-3580, 704-527-4071, 704-523-7960 (fax)
8100 Pinemont Drive
Houston, TX 77040-6522
800-231-4585, 713-895-7777, 713-895-8113 (fax)