Is custom aluminum fabrication expensive?

[marty_scher]

Just looking for ideas to build mounts for fishing downriggers. Nothing too crazy, maybe a straight piece of AL extrudes, with a riser on each end and some mounting holes.<br /><br />I know shop costs vary, but is it possible to get some hunks of aluminum cut and welded for less than an arm and leg? Do weld shops normally have AL in stock? Too expensive to even bother?<br /><br />Any input welcome.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Is custom aluminum fabrication expensive?

If your talking about machining it out of a solid block of aluminum(billit)it can get expensive.

 

[marty_scher]

Re: Is custom aluminum fabrication expensive?

Flahthead <br /><br />Probably no machining, except maybe drilling a few holes.<br /><br />I'm thinking of something like maybe extruded 4" wide "U" channel and some risers, to get something like this, but does not have to be as fancy:<br /><br />

<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: Is custom aluminum fabrication expensive?

Check with a local Technical school or even High School with a welding program unless you are in a hurry. Many of the teachers are willing to take on projects such as this for the cost of materials as well many students will make you something for a little cash w/o telling the teacher. This is just a thought and if you can find one willing it will be a lot cheaper than getting it done by a professional.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Is custom aluminum fabrication expensive?

good idea from PFB, my broNlaw used to do AG projects for local farmers all the time, when a teacher. <br /><br />and local tech schools do the same. you don't have much luck with car & electronic classes, but the haircutting & machine shops took in lots of walk-in projects back when i took some classes.<br /><br />have you checked with Home Depot? the ones around here sell flat stock aluminum. and it bends, so you could probably bolt it all together if needed. or get a muffler shop with a tig welder to join it, once you had it cut up & assembled...just a thought

 

[marty_scher]

Re: Is custom aluminum fabrication expensive?

ebb<br /><br />I looked in Home Depot (mostly in doors and windows), but did not find much.<br /><br />What department did you see some aluminum in?<br /><br />Thanks for the info everybody.<br /><br />Marty

 

[Hooty]

Re: Is custom aluminum fabrication expensive?

Marty,<br />I don't know where in Colo. you are but if you have any large scrap metal yards close by, check them out. You my not find exatcly what you want, but you may find something close and they sell scrap aluminum by the pound.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty