US Source for metric S/S rod?

[gobigkahuna]

I'm going to need some 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm stainless steel rod for my submersible project. I did some googling and only found one source. In case they don't have it in stock (which has been the norm for this project so far) does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm ordering some very nice shaft and servo seals from Germany so I need to stick with metric rod.

Also, what's the best stainless for saltwater use? I seem to remember 316 as having better rust resistance, but all I see on the internet is 303.

Any help is much appreciated!

[patmat2350]

https://sdp-si.com/eStore/ (http://www.sdp-si.com)
www.mcmaster.com (http://www.mcmaster.com)
www.smallparts.com (http://www.smallparts.com)

[toesup]

... does anyone have any other suggestions?

Tried here?
http://www.onlinemetals.com/

[herrmill]

I buy rod, tube, shapes & cable from the local materials market. Last purchase of 2m each of 3mm rod & 1.5mm cable cost me all of 7rmb ($1.02). If only I could find decent brass tube here..

[gobigkahuna]

Why do I keep on forgetting to check McMaster-Carr? ;) They had everything I need!

I'll have to do my homework on stainless steel types, I'm guessing there's some other property of 316 that prevents it from being used in shafts as all I see is 303.

[patmat2350]

One reason to be careful with McMaster- their shipping charges! Their typical customer needs it yesterday, so they try to accommodate I guess.

I just ordered two chunks of solid PVC rod (it's good for turning stuff from...).
One chunk: $5.58
I ordered it YESTERDAY, it's on my doorstep this morning, and I specified Ground. Fee: $9.25
!

2nd chunk is longer, apparently is shipping separate... can't wait to see the additional charge for that one!

Oh, and when you check out, they don't give you any estimate of the shipping fee... it's a surprise!

[woodybob]

I use part # 1257K54 from McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/), for shafting purposes. Type 303 stainless, Miniature Precision Drive Shafts.

Living close to the source, shipping is a bargain.

[gobigkahuna]

Living close to the source, shipping is a bargain.
Wait a minute... You're in California, right? McMaster is in Georgia, right? How is that close? Do they normally ship from California? I'm in N. Carolina, so UPS ground should be pretty cheap / fast, right?

[nytestalker]

I have hear that the guide rods inside a computer CD-rom drive are 3mm. Find an old one rip it open and see what's in there.

[PT Sideshow]

One reason to be careful with McMaster- their shipping charges! Their typical customer needs it yesterday, so they try to accommodate I guess.

I just ordered two chunks of solid PVC rod (it's good for turning stuff from...).
One chunk: $5.58
I ordered it YESTERDAY, it's on my doorstep this morning, and I specified Ground. Fee: $9.25
!

2nd chunk is longer, apparently is shipping separate... can't wait to see the additional charge for that one!

Oh, and when you check out, they don't give you any estimate of the shipping fee... it's a surprise!

Pat here's a place for all things plastic, been dealing with them for 25 years, small amounts or large. Order by 11pm tonight will have it by UPS afternoon car tomorrow during the week in our area. they all so ship and bill. Web, phone or mail orders.Plastics and more (http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/default.asp)

I see they won't be shipping till Monday upgrading the plant!
glen

[Prins Willem]

Our McMaster Carr shipments (to Milwaukee) come out of Chicago. Sometimes out of New Jersey if Chicago doesn't have an item. They have distribution in regions. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMaster-Carr