Alternative Materials Sources

[Sparhawk]

I don't know how much anyone here works with materials other than wood. If anyone is interested in using plexiglas or aluminum I can tell you a good source for them.
I work in the sign industry as a metal fabricator. We use aluminum a lot. Typically our drop aluminum is put into a dumpster that we turn in to a recycling center. The higher ups say that they do the same with plexiglas but I've not seen anyone pick up plexiglas in 3 years. Point is that if you're looking for smaller pieces you can pick up any of this for nothing or next to nothing if you talk to the supervisor at a sign shop near you.
Our typical inventory consists of aluminum in thicknesses of .040, .050, .063, .080, .090 and .125. (.063 is 1/16 of an inch and .125 is 1/8 of an inch to give you a perspective) Some is already prepainted red, black, bronze, white, yellow, etc. Some of the drops can be quite large up to about 5 sq. ft.
Plexiglas is about the same. Most of what we use is 3/16 inch but we do use some 1/8 inch. Many colors to choose from.
This is a place where someone interested in cutting aluminum or plex could pick up a lot of pieces for next to nothing or even better free.

[CanadianScroller]

Thanks

Good tip Sparhawk!
Offcuts are always a good source, sometimes you can get corian from the cutouts in counters, check cabinet shops.
I have often thought of going to a flooring store for offcuts of hardwood floors and laminate flooring. I havent cut any laminate yet but it looks promising.
I want to try cutting bone sometime or antlers, but I have heard the smell of the material is gross when cutting so do it outdoors.
I also had a source of abalone shells, but the person who gave them to me says the dust is very dangerous.
When I was on holidays last week I saw some incredible work done with stone.
It looked just like marquetry but I am not sure if a scrollsaw was used or a bandsaw.

[Gill]

I want to try cutting bone sometime or antlers

If you decide to cut antlers, here's a tip - make sure the deer has finished with them first.



Gill

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I cut antlers on occasion, make custom knife handles from them. They do smell bad, no they STINK, when you cut them.

Whenever I carve antlers, the deer is most definitely done using them. But, I am seldom done with the deer.

[Greenfield_Bob]

Hi Gill, it's been awhile since I have talked to you.
Have you done anything with that Lion pattern yet?

Bob

[Gill]

Hi Bob

Not yet. I've got a backlog of projects to do first, including a present for a forthcoming house-warming party. Not that the house will need much warming - the weather is oppressively hot over here right now. In fact, it's even been too hot to scroll! I've got a new (second hand) Diamond scrollsaw awaiting my attention, but it's just too warm to set it up.

Useless, ain't I ?

Gill

[CanadianScroller]

Gill

I always knew Diamonds were a girls best friend

[Greenfield_Bob]

Gill

Hey Gill, have you had it long enough to be able to tell anything about it?
I hope it works out great for you.

Bob