Wood's Metal

[John M0GLN]

Does anyone know where I can buy a small quantity of Wood's metal from? The only suppliers in the UK I can find sell it in something like 1KG billets and I only need a piece about the size of a sugar lump, there are some USA suppliers but the postage doubles the price.

Thanks

John

[AlanBeckett]

Haven't seen that for a long time.
There's this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WOODS-METAL-sa...inerals_EH&hash=item58b8ff1e7a - bit it ain't cheap

Alan

[boater sam]

Haven't seen that for a long time.
There's this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WOODS-METAL-sa...inerals_EH&hash=item58b8ff1e7a - bit it ain't cheap

Alan

May be a long shot or perhaps they could suggest a supplier,
http://www.maccmodels.co.uk
No connection. They are an old time stockist.

[Radio Fixer]

That's a great link Sam. Have some really useful parts.

thanks for that Gary

[John M0GLN]

Thanks for the replies,

Alan, I had seen that eBay item and as you thought, a bit pricey.

Sam, Macc is a great site and one I had forgotten to check, I have now but they don't keep it.

I got an email From Yorkie who as well as suggesting that same eBay item suggests using Carr's No 70 Solder from,
http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/Engin...c_346.html

this melts at 70° C the same as Woods and is quite cheap so I will be using some of this to mount a piece of Galena in my crystal set.

Thanks

John.

[tiv48]

thanks for that link sam have just ordered a load of 4ba nuts and bolts
Rob T

[boater sam]

thanks for that link sam have just ordered a load of 4ba nuts and bolts
Rob T

Glad to help. I forgot Carrs solder, I think they used it on those soldered links on mains transformers that melt on overheat.
I can't remember what they use in oil supply fire shut off valves , it must be similar, maybe a bit higher temperature. If you could find one there should be enough metal for your job. The whole screw thread is designed to melt to let the spring close the needle valve.

[boater sam]

Try this site it may be cheaper. I bet Macc models have Carr's too, surprised they they didn't mention it.
Cheif use is assembly of diecast models

http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/533_1_1671854.html

[Keithstv]

Found this in an old Practical Electronics where it was suggested that Woods metal could be used to detect fire. I think they were suggesting that you could make your own. I'm sure that Health and Safety would have something say about that.

Would you even be allowed to buy the raw materials these days?

Keith