searching for metal sheets

[rogue_artist]

Does anyone know a sheet metal supplier in the U.S.A. that might carry 16-18 gauge phosphorus bronze?? Ive been all over the internet and have come up with only a scant 1 or 2 options I do not much care for

phosphor bronze is also called "red" bronze.

Im looking for sheets no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet. Most I only need 1 foot by 2 feet.

I swear, this is one of the most exasperating searches Ive EVER been on!!! LOL

kindest regards,
-Jason

[alexlm]

McMaster Carr has what they call "Ultra-Strength" Alloy 510 bronze and claim it is also known as Phosphor Bronze. They have it in 12x48 in. sheets. Is this along the lines of what you are looking for?

[jkaler48]

Here is a retailer with the correct sizes and thickness but you will have to contact them to ask what type of bronze they have.

http://www.hagstoz.com/Bronze/bronze_sheet.htm

Their Email address is bad so you will have to try their toll free number
800-922-1006

[Matthew Amt]

Oh, yes, welcome to a VERY frustrating quest! McMaster Carr is one of the best bets. Phosphor bronze can be found listed by a few other dealers, but sometimes they have minimum order sizes or do not sell retail.

Warning Number One: Phosphor bronze does NOT appear to be made in widths of more than 12 inches! (Though you said that may be just right for your project.) Oh, we have searched far and wide....

http://z8.invisionfree.com/Bronze_Age_C ... wtopic=570

Warning Number Two: Beware of any place that does not list the alloy used! You'll see all sorts of things called "bronze", etc., with no way to tell what's in them. "Red bronze" could be practically anything. Phosphor bronze is the closest modern equivalent to a low-tin ancient bronze. Silicon Bronze has no tin at all, but is readily available and comes in wider sheets than phosphor bronze. "Commercial Bronze" is actually a low-zinc BRASS, again no tin used. I believe that is what Hagstoz actually sells, but if you call them you might not get a definitive answer...

That said, you may find that commercial bronze looks just fine for your purposes, and it may be much easier to work than silicon or phosphor bronze. Don't know!

What are you planning to make, by the way?

Good luck, and please let us know what you find!

Matthew