Cut to size aluminum Denver area?

[Justin]

Anyone know where one could find 1/4 aluminum plate cut to size in the Denver area? Need a base plate for my aux fuel (Tour Tank) tank setup I am working on - and do not have the means to cut aluminum (at least cut it well  ) myself.

[veefer800canuck]

http://www.h-hmetals.com/sheet_metal_stock_list.htm

We have the ability to shear and brake up to 1/4" x 10'-0" and 3/16" x 14'-0".

H&H Enterprises, Inc.
12520 Grant Drive
Suite #100
Thornton, CO 80241-2406
(303) 429-4847
(303) 429-0826 Fax
info@h-hmetals.com  

[veefer800canuck]

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[Justin]

http://www.h-hmetals.com/sheet_metal_stock_list.htm

Thanks for the tip. Are you familiar with these guys? Will they cut small pieces/do small personal orders? I actually found  this place online where you can order any size you want.

http://www.allmetalsinc.com/

Like $24 for the piece I need, so not bad. Now I just need to figure out the difference between 5052 and 6061 aluminum, and which would be better for my application  

[bomber]

you can easily cut 1/4 aluminum with a circular saw (carbide wood cutting blade is best), or a band saw (regular wood cutting blade will work, use lots of wd40).

[veefer800canuck]

Thanks for the tip. Are you familiar with these guys? Will they cut small pieces/do small personal orders? I actually found  this place online where you can order any size you want.

I dunno. I just used my Google-Fu. Call 'em and see.

[919]

Like $24 for the piece I need, so not bad. Now I just need to figure out the difference between 5052 and 6061 aluminum, and which would be better for my application  

5052 Aluminum
Characteristics
5052 is one of the higher strength non-heat-treatable alloys. It has a high fatigue strength and is a good choice for structures subjected to excessive vibration. The alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine atmospheres. The formability of the grade is excellent and in the annealed condition it offers higher strengths than 1100 or 3003 grades.

Typical Applications
5052 is often used in high strength sheet metal work, marine components, appliances, fuel and oil tubing.

6061 Aluminum
Characteristics
6061 is a heat-treatable grade widely used in light to medium strength structural applications. The alloy has good corrosion resistance and weldability and possesses good formability in the 0 to T4 tempers. 6061 does lose appreciable strength when welded and it is replaced by the 5000 series alloys where afterweld strength is a prime consideration.

Typical Applications
6061 is used in structural areas where both strength and corrosion resistance is required, truck bodies and frames, and towers.

Taken from http://www.wilkinsonsteel.com/index.htm  I couldn't really explain it myself but that site seemed pretty comprehensive and I trust it.  I like 6061 because that is what I usually work with and it is readily available to me.  It would be more than adequate for what you are using it for.

 

[Justin]

5052 Aluminum
Characteristics
5052 is one of the higher strength non-heat-treatable alloys. It has a high fatigue strength and is a good choice for structures subjected to excessive vibration. The alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine atmospheres. The formability of the grade is excellent and in the annealed condition it offers higher strengths than 1100 or 3003 grades.

Typical Applications
5052 is often used in high strength sheet metal work, marine components, appliances, fuel and oil tubing.

6061 Aluminum
Characteristics
6061 is a heat-treatable grade widely used in light to medium strength structural applications. The alloy has good corrosion resistance and weldability and possesses good formability in the 0 to T4 tempers. 6061 does lose appreciable strength when welded and it is replaced by the 5000 series alloys where afterweld strength is a prime consideration.

Typical Applications
6061 is used in structural areas where both strength and corrosion resistance is required, truck bodies and frames, and towers.

Taken from http://www.wilkinsonsteel.com/index.htm  I couldn't really explain it myself but that site seemed pretty comprehensive and I trust it.  I like 6061 because that is what I usually work with and it is readily available to me.  It would be more than adequate for what you are using it for.

Thanks, I had read that as well, but still was not clear which is the correct one for my application. Sounds like 6061 would fine though.

[bomber]

6061 welds easier -- That would drive my choice.

[919]

6061 welds easier -- That would drive my choice.

That is true, but the 6061 is weaker after a weld than 5052.  I don't know if the OP is welding it or not, I assumed not and that it was a going to be a bolt on plate.  That's why I said it doesn't matter.

I would talk to whoever is going to cut the plate for you about your application and see what they recommend.  Also look at what you are trying to duplicate and see what that was made out of.  If there is an aftermarket bracket you are trying to duplicate or someone else has done it before look at what they are using and find out if it works.

[Justin]

That is true, but the 6061 is weaker after a weld than 5052.  I don't know if the OP is welding it or not, I assumed not and that it was a going to be a bolt on plate.  That's why I said it doesn't matter.

I will not be welding, will be drilling a few holes and using u-bolts to attach to the existing arms on the Givi tail bag mounting rack. It's actually very simple, I just do not have the proper tools to cut it well myself. I'm just going to order it cut to size online - it's $24 at http://www.allmetalsinc.com/ for the size I need with free shipping.

Edit: thanks for the info folks