Stock Supplier Help Please

[Tifa 8572Participant @tifa857287838]

Hello again

I’m trying to source a block of steel for a lathe compound modification.

Basically, I want to swap the slide for a solid block to mount the toolpost to reduce chatter and make parting off a little better.

Size required is 128mm x 80mm x 52mm (or very near)

I live in North Shropshire and by the time I factor in postage, costs seem to be well in excess of £120.

Is this about right?  Or is there a cheaper way of doing this?

Also, is there a ‘go-to’ supplier that anyone can recommend please?

Cheers.

 

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Shame you want 52mm as 2″ stock would be less wasteful.

M-Machine list 2.5″ x 4″ at £8.16 per 25mm so £48.96 for 150mm though they will probably cut you a 130mm length plus about £10 postage

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

I did something similar using an iron backplate casting, I think from RDG.  A lot of hacking involved but nice to machine and better for machine parts such as this anyway.  Or CES (If they are still around) may sell you a sawn lump of cast iron.  Depending on your machinery large lumps of mild steel can be a pig.

[Andrew CrowParticipant @andrewcrow91475]

There is also the Brittania tool post from Hemingway at about £48 + postage.

Although designed for a Myford 7 series it might be about the right size.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Iron rectangle is also available from M-Machine and would be £38.40, just check you can get the exact size needed out of the bar which will have rounded corners but 60 x 130 section should clean up to 52 x 128

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Find an old cast iron scales weight?

[Halton TankParticipant @haltontank]

You try Rapid Metals for a quote. See cut block

Regards Luigi

[peak4Participant @peak4]

Personally, I’d wander down to my local scrapyard, but otherwise, I’ve been advised that High Peak Steels are very competitive on price, and by the looks of it will quote you for both steel and continuous cast iron bar.
https://highpeaksteels.com/cast-iron-250/

Alternatively, for continuous cast bar, try giving these folk a bell
https://www.unitedcastbar.com/https://www.unitedcastbar.com/
https://www.foundry-casting.co.uk/cast-iron-bar.html

See also, in my old home town, particularly if you can drop down to 50mm
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/steelcitygav

Bill

[Tifa 8572Participant @tifa857287838]

Thank you everyone.

Greatly appreciated!

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