Need Help Finding Source For Brass Rod!

[Iron Mike]

Hello Friends!!

While cleaning the grab handles on my T-34/85 build, I broke two! :duh Anyway, I went to my stash of scratch building parts to find the tube of .025 brass rod (wire). Lo and behold, I'm down to my last 8 inches or so, not enough to replace all the handles. I have checked our two "local" hobby shops to no avail and have not found any at the sources I usually buy from. Does anyone know of a good source to replenish the stash? All help is appreciated! Take care! :peace

 

[jknaus]

http://www.ksmetals.com/DomesticDistributors.html

doesnt hyperlink but gives you some choices

http://www.oakridgehobbies.com/index.php/hobby-products-tools-paints-wood-metal-plastic-hobby-supplies/metals-tubing-strip-stock-sheets-rods-brass-aluminum

dont know what they are like

And if you would rather look for something closer to home here is the search string I used

http://www.google.ca/#hl=en&q=%22BRASS+rod+for+models%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=5b1fceef9c80000d

Hope that helps.
James

 

[Iron Mike]

Thanks, James! That's the same google search I used, didn't turn up much. I thought I'd toss it out here since there's such a wealth of knowledge, seems like others know of sources I've never heard of. The tube of my old stuff says Special Shapes Co., but their website doesn't show the small sizes, I have no idea how old this is, more than 5 years anyway.

 

[moon puppy]

Lions Roar and Griffon both have stock from .2 mm up to 2.mm in both rod and pipe. Sprue Brothers is where I get my stuff from. Gotta hit it right when they restock.

 

[Iron Mike]

Thanks Bob! Maybe that's why I didn't find it when I searched Sprue Bros., they must be out of stock. I'll remember to try them again. In the interim, I think I've fixed the immediate problem. I found some heavy gauge stranded copper wire in my tool box, looks to be about the right size. Thanks again, guys!

 

[jknaus]

Iron Mike wrote:

Thanks Bob! Maybe that's why I didn't find it when I searched Sprue Bros., they must be out of stock. I'll remember to try them again. In the interim, I think I've fixed the immediate problem. I found some heavy gauge stranded copper wire in my tool box, looks to be about the right size. Thanks again, guys!

Ya, thats why I didnt mention them. All their brass rod is sold out. I have used almost all of mine and yours was a timly question. Must start searching also I think.
James

 

[Tim A.]

Mike those "hobby shops" should be ashamed of themselves. I've found KS stands in some Ace hardware stores. Hobby Lobby has small dia. wire in packs.

Btw. alot of times I'll make replacements anyway for grab handles by stretching heated sprue over a form. I think it's easier than cleaning up the kit's.

Tim

 

[moon puppy]

Speaking of Hobby Lobby, I've been cruisin' the jewelry making aisle much more lately. Not only cool metal bending tools but wire too boot! Silver wire with differing diameters works great. Little hard to shape some times but they do work well.

 

[Iron Mike]

Hey guys! I have a bunch of spools of various sized wire, but prefer the brass rod as it is easily bent and is already straight to start. Stretching sprue is not a skill I've mastered, I can't quite find that happy place between solid and flaming!

 

[Tim A.]

Iron Mike wrote:

I can't quite find that happy place between solid and flaming![/quote]

Sounds like me trying to grill. The meat is still half froze or burnt :laugh:

Tim

 

[TomN]

Sorry for the late response (just joined) but you can get Phosphor Bronze wire form Tichy Train Group.

The PB wire is very nice and straight and feels alot like brass wire, can also be soldered to brass.

http://www.tichytraingroup.com/index.php?page=view_category.php&category=Wire&offset=0

They sell NBW's and rivets too!

HTH,
Tom

 

[Iron Mike]

Thank you, Tom! Looks like that may be the ticket for several issues! Welcome and your avatar is priceless! I love the Monty Python group!!

 

[Sam]

Apparently there is this new wire jewelry craze. Michael's sells spools of different gauges of wire, differentiated by different colors. I've been buying the smaller gauges for model work. Sorry I'm late here, moderator won't let me post.

 

[Kreighshoer]

Sam wrote:

moderator won't let me post.

can i be of any help? please send me a pm ...