Author Topic: UK source of cast iron billet  (Read 567 times)

Offline springcrocus

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UK source of cast iron billet
« on: April 01, 2023, 08:34:17 AM »
I need to source a lump of cast iron that I can machine all round and finish at 4.1/2" x 6" x 1.1/4" (115 x 150 x 32mm) for a project I have in mind. It must be solid, it's not for a hollow base of any kind. The closest I can find is a lump sawn off of 6" square bar, which would be fine.

Can any of our UK members recommend a source for this material? For personal reasons, I am looking for an affordable alternative to M-Machine.

Regards, Steve
Member of a local model engineers society
www.stevesbritannia.co.uk

Offline Jasonb

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Re: UK source of cast iron billet
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2023, 10:21:16 AM »
College is the only other that springs to mind of the ME suppliers but at 50% more not affordable which is why I tend to use M-machine

Online Jo

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Re: UK source of cast iron billet
« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2023, 10:38:38 AM »
Alan at MJ Engineering was flogging big lumps of CI rectangular bar off at one time for a very reasonable sum (not that I can find mine  :headscratch:) The traction engine boys seem to get large block of CI cast for general machining purposes so he might have something on the shelf.

Where did I put my bits  :noidea:

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline springcrocus

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Re: UK source of cast iron billet
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2023, 11:17:06 AM »
Thanks Jason and Jo, I will check them both out after the weekend. I don't mind hacking down an oversize lump of something if it's an available offcut, and it doesn't need to be pristine, either.
One of our members has PMed me with a kind offer to check out the offcut bin at his workplace, so finger crossed for a result there.

Regards, Steve
Member of a local model engineers society
www.stevesbritannia.co.uk

Offline Alyn Foundry

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Re: UK source of cast iron billet
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2023, 11:26:19 AM »
 Hi Steve.

From my point of view that’s a prime candidate for a casting.  :)

A simple wooden pattern, made oversized for both shrinkage and finishing. There are still quite a few foundries about and you can specify a particular grade of Iron to suit the job in question.

I hope your anonymous member is able to help.

 :cheers:  Graham.

Offline Jasonb

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Re: UK source of cast iron billet
« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2023, 01:13:03 PM »
That was nice iron that Alan @MJ was selling I managed to find quite a few steam engine cylinders hiding inside mine. I've almost used all that I bought but I think they were a bit tight on the 150mm dimension. If I come and help you look for yours is it finders keepers :Lol:

Offline springcrocus

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Re: UK source of cast iron billet
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2023, 03:24:04 PM »
Hi Steve.

From my point of view that’s a prime candidate for a casting.

 :cheers:  Graham.
You may well be right, Graham. Care to PM me with a guide price?  :) It seems to be right up your street.


Regards, Steve

Member of a local model engineers society
www.stevesbritannia.co.uk

Online Jo

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Re: UK source of cast iron billet
« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2023, 03:48:09 PM »
If I come and help you look for yours is it finders keepers :Lol:

Clearly you have been living in an alternative Universe since you were given that CNC milling machine  ::)

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

 

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