Based on a comment by Herbiev - I have started this thread on scrounging materials.
Manufacturing companies scrap can be a great source of materials, I have also found that if you tell them you use it to build model engines they will generally give it away. In such cases I normally go back and show them a finished engine - pointing out the bits they supplied - thereafter its generally "anytime you need some come and help yourself."
Some tips below.....
Barstock
Manufacturing machine shops & auto shops throw away a lot of short bar ends.
Visit scrapyards not just as a source of raw materials - but if you see anything usefull try to find out where it came from - ask their truck drivers which company's throw out what.
Armature Winding Wire
I "scrounge" my winding wire from rewinders and transformer manufacturers who consistently throw away near empty spools - still plenty of wire on them but not enough to bother with the next "run".
Solar Cells
I scrounged the solar cells off some dead Chinese pathway illuminators (garden lights) - these cheapies tend to die within a year and are then discarded - I have contacted a local supplier to try and get my hands of dead warranty units which they would otherwise throw away.
Wood (for presentation bases)
Find a custom woodworking shop (preferably one that specialises in solid wooden furniture) they generally have an overflowing scrap bin of exotic offcuts which they invarably have to clear out from time to time.
Let's hear other scrounging ideas.
Ken
Manufacturing companies scrap can be a great source of materials, I have also found that if you tell them you use it to build model engines they will generally give it away. In such cases I normally go back and show them a finished engine - pointing out the bits they supplied - thereafter its generally "anytime you need some come and help yourself."
Some tips below.....
Barstock
Manufacturing machine shops & auto shops throw away a lot of short bar ends.
Visit scrapyards not just as a source of raw materials - but if you see anything usefull try to find out where it came from - ask their truck drivers which company's throw out what.
Armature Winding Wire
I "scrounge" my winding wire from rewinders and transformer manufacturers who consistently throw away near empty spools - still plenty of wire on them but not enough to bother with the next "run".
Solar Cells
I scrounged the solar cells off some dead Chinese pathway illuminators (garden lights) - these cheapies tend to die within a year and are then discarded - I have contacted a local supplier to try and get my hands of dead warranty units which they would otherwise throw away.
Wood (for presentation bases)
Find a custom woodworking shop (preferably one that specialises in solid wooden furniture) they generally have an overflowing scrap bin of exotic offcuts which they invarably have to clear out from time to time.
Let's hear other scrounging ideas.
Ken