I generally go about this sort of project from a different approach.

First identify the parts that are difficult and address them first.

In this case, I would determine what materials are available to me at
a price, quality and location that I could live with. Then I would
plan around the materials.

You are more likely to find usable materials in smaller quantities
from fabricators than from distributors. Pricing can vary a lot with
aluminum because the scrap price is a long ways from junk.

People in the antenna business are a good start. Fabricators of
irrigation systems are another source.

The length of the tubing will have an effect on its price. 12 foot
lengths will cost more per foot than 8 foot lengths in many cases.
Sometimes 20 foot lengths will be the norm for some stock.

Sometimes it is worthwhile to buy a commercial product and modify it
to your needs!

On Wed, 05 Oct 2005 20:27:02 -0500, Allan Butler
wrote:

Hello Everyone:

I have tried all the local metal suppliers and several in the Chicago
area to get 6061-T6 aluminum tubing from in very specific sizes. I need to
get two pieces of 1.00 inch OD with a wall thickness of 0.058 inch that are
twelve feet long. I also need to get four pieces of 7/8 inch OD by 0.049
inch wall that are twelve feet long.

Nobody that I spoke with stocks these items. Some of the big name
suppliers were down right nasty about me wanting this small quantity of
pieces.

Where would one go to get these pieces that I need to get for some
antenna projects that I want to build soon? And not pay an arm and a leg
for the privilege of owning this rare and unobtainable material.

Allan Butler
ka0ies

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