| Back in Silicon Valley there were myriad electronics "surplus"
outlets that carried a large selection of exotic plastics in their
inventory. I would assume that if you are around an electronics
manufacturing center of any size, these stores should be there
too. We even have a fair-to-middling good one right here in
Coleraddy Springs!
If you don't know what an electronics outlet is, visit several
stores. You will know an outlet if you walk in and there are
nothing but rows and bins of electronic components in various
stages of disarray. The acid test is to ask for some simple TTL
chip like a 7404: if they quote you a price over 50 cents, that
ain't one of them.
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| Most metal suppliers have rather large minimum orders. I've found
a mail order place that doesn't. They are R&J Metals, Route 8 Box
755, Huntsville, TX 77340. Now they even have a toll free number,
1-800-433-7589 (9-5 central time, outside Texas), and take
Visa/MC.
They carry aluminum, bronze, steel, brass, cast iron, and
stainless. They also have small quantities of cutting oils, shop
rolls, and some small lathe tools. When I asked, Ron (the R, Joyce
is his wife) hinted that he might be able to supply plastics.
I've got no connection with these folks other than as a satisfied
customer.
One other thing to try. Check your local yellow pages for metal or
plastics dealers. Rather than calling, visit them in person, and
con them into letting you go thru their supply bins. I did this at
a local plastics place, and managed to pick up some scraps for
less than the price it would have cost me to have pieces cut off.
In one case a 4' rod cost me less than the cutting charge for the
8" piece I needed, so now I have a supply for next time.
I found teflon very easy to machine and otherwise work with. The
problem is it is very expen$ive. I'd try something durable like
Lexan for your plow blade, or maybe make it out of several layers
of fiberglass.
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