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I am looking to make a zero clearance insert for my ancient (1950's vintage) table saw. It's .090 thick aluminum, so nothing available to just buy will fit.
There are, however, plenty of places to buy Al sheet. I've found a vendor that has both 5052 H32 and 6061 available in the required thickness. The 5052 is slightly cheaper, but in reality, it is only a couple of bucks.
So, which is better, or does it not make any difference?
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My choice would be 6061 based on these specs I got from McMaster's web site.
5052
Known for being one of the easiest types of aluminum to weld, 5052 is also recognized for its ability to resist salt water. It's widely used for the bodies of boats, buses, trucks, and trailers, as well as for chemical drums.
Yield Strength: 23,000 psi
Hardness: Brinell 60 (Soft)
Temper: H32 (1/4 Hard)
Fabrication: Cold Rolled
Specifications Met: ASTM B209
6061
The most widely used aluminum, 6061 is fabricated into everything from pipe fittings and containers to automotive and aerospace parts. It is strong and corrosion resistant, plus it's easy to machine and weld.
Yield Strength: 35,000 psi
Hardness: Brinell 95 (Soft)
Temper:
Cold Rolled sheets: T6
Extruded sheets: T6511
Ed
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6061 for that application.
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You may want to try Shapiro Metal Supply in St. Louis MO. They have .090" 6061. I just don't know about the sizes. The web site is: https://www.shapirosupply.com/
I've purchased a number of items from them and found their prices are much better than McMaster.
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(02-06-2022, 11:01 AM)Dr Stan Wrote: You may want to try Shapiro Metal Supply in St. Louis MO. They have .090" 6061. I just don't know about the sizes. The web site is: https://www.shapirosupply.com/
I've purchased a number of items from them and found their prices are much better than McMaster.
They are local for me and Sam (owner) has always treated me fairly. Good guy. 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ALUMINUM-6061-T...48b90d779c
Willie
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Whelp, I bought some aluminum. Unfortunately, I bought the wrong stuff. I had several tabs open, and I hit the buy it now button without checking which one I was on.
Anyway, I have a 12" x 18" piece of 5052 coming in the mail. Machinist at work, whom I trust for advice said it wouldn't really matter, but he also said 6061 originally.
I need a new saw blade (old one is at least 40 years old!), so I'll use the old one to cut the kerf, and then install a new blade (same brand/type/# of teeth) and see how it goes.
Full of ideas, but slow to produce parts
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A bunch of us young aspiring wood boatbuilders were gathering around listening to an old hand, lessee 26 plus 22 is 48,....yeah 48 years ago. It was in Mathews, Virginia, which was then a tiny backwater town. One of our number asked him what was the best wood for framing a boat. The old shipwright said, without hesitation, "Why white oak is the best."
"Oh," said the young guy, looking kinda down in the dumps. " I just bought 500 feet of red oak."
"Well," said the master, "in that case red oak is the best wood there is for framing a boat."
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That's funny!
I kept finding small pieces of fabric on the floor. It was so old that I was able to easily tear it apart with my fingers. After some investigation, it turns out it was the fabric covering the v-belt for the table saw. I guess 60+ years is pretty good for a belt, but it was time for a new one. Measuring the old one, I came up with 43.63". The closest standard size to that is 42". So, this belt has stretched more than an inch and a half over the past six decades!
Full of ideas, but slow to produce parts
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(02-06-2022, 11:01 AM)Dr Stan Wrote: You may want to try Shapiro Metal Supply in St. Louis MO. They have .090" 6061. I just don't know about the sizes. The web site is: https://www.shapirosupply.com/
I've purchased a number of items from them and found their prices are much better than McMaster.
Sad to say they had a major fire in the office building recently and it might be hard to get a hold of them for a little while. They are still doing business but for the most part it's local for now. They are already working on rebuilding the office area.
Even sadder is that it was definitely a case of arson and they suspect it was a former employee that was fired hours before the fire started. They have video of an individual walking across the road nearby with a gas can in hand at 2:30am.... 
Willie
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(03-04-2022, 09:08 AM)Highpower Wrote: (02-06-2022, 11:01 AM)Dr Stan Wrote: You may want to try Shapiro Metal Supply in St. Louis MO. They have .090" 6061. I just don't know about the sizes. The web site is: https://www.shapirosupply.com/
I've purchased a number of items from them and found their prices are much better than McMaster.
Sad to say they had a major fire in the office building recently and it might be hard to get a hold of them for a little while. They are still doing business but for the most part it's local for now. They are already working on rebuilding the office area.
Even sadder is that it was definitely a case of arson and they suspect it was a former employee that was fired hours before the fire started. They have video of an individual walking across the road nearby with a gas can in hand at 2:30am....
First I've heard of this. Hope the perp is tried & convicted.  Thanks for letting me know.
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