[TheForge] Re: Aluminum bicycle fenders

[ries]

Mike, 1100 is very soft- so you can make it move, but then it doesnt  
stay there. Its very easy to damage something made from 1100.
And, as you have found, virtually unavailable in less than truckload  
quantities.
3003 is a great compromise alloy- it is easy to form, but can be  
welded, is strong enough to be usable for things like hood scoops and  
car hoods.
Hence, the high end custom car guys use it, and it has more knowledge  
base and availability.

But some huge percentage of aluminum used today, especially in  
smaller jobs (under 10,000 lbs a week, say) is 6061. I would guess  
that 95% of what you find at a junkyard is gonna be 6061. Its very  
tough to find anything else, and, unless it still has factory inkjet  
printing on it, very tough to tell what the heck you have found.

A really great book that explains alloys, tools, and techniques, step  
by step, for all kinds of sheet metal fab, is Ron Fournier's  "Metal  
Fabricators Handbook", by HP books. New, its under 20 bucks, but its  
usually available used on abebooks.com for closer to ten.

I took a one week workshop with Ron about ten years ago, and he is  
amazing. He can take a sheet of metal, and seemingly without effort,  
transform it into 3 dimensional splendor in no time at all.

The tools are pretty simple- stakes, a slapper, a leather bag filled  
with shot, and a couple of hammers will get you started. Its great to  
have an english wheel, but not necessary.

Ron is only one of three guru's that are teaching, and writing, today.
Each has a website, and sells tools, books, and  sometimes even metal.
http://www.fournierenterprises.com/
http://www.covell.biz/
http://www.tinmantech.com/html/kent_white.php

As for sourcing aluminum, I know you are in Canada, which makes  
things harder- but these guys sell it in smaller sizes for auto body  
uses-
http://www.aedmotorsport.com/catalog.htm

I am guessing there is somebody similar in Canada.

go here-
http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/index.php

And you will find whole pages, with tons of threads, just about 3003.  
Also many canadian members, who discuss where to get things and how  
to use em once you get em.
I know some canadians out my way, a mere 3000 miles or so from you,  
who do amazing stuff with 3003- they are getting it somewhere, its  
available.

The difference, and lower frustration level, when working with 3003,  
as opposed to 6061, is quite noticeable, especially if you want the  
metal to move a significant amount.

ries







Ries Niemi
Industrial Artist
http://www.riesniemi.com/