Hi all. I’ve got a sizeable “spares” box, but I’ve never scratchbuilt yet.
Is there a way to get polystyrene sheets and tubing in bulk?
Would Plastruct or Evergreen sell in wholesale amounts? Buying individual pieces seems costly.
What I really need is a large “sample pack” of scraps. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
The local big-box hardware stores (Lowes/Home Depot) sells signs (for sale, no trespassing, etc.) printed on polystyrene. Thicknesses start at about 20 thousandths and go up to about 40. Sheet sizes larger than available in a Evergreen pack. Also come in yellow. Less than 2 bucks each.
Thats awesome, Ed.
More ideas still welcome…
Never be afraid to look around the local dollar stores, sometimes cheap kitchenware and the like can be converted to other uses, and never be afraid to, ummm, dumpster dive.
how about a 4’x8’ white .040" styrene sheet for $20Can plus shipping? i bought 1 & cut it up into 12"x12" squares.
My Local Hobby Store carries evergreen styrene odds and ends. They have a wide variety of different types of sheet, flat, round and other stock scraps the Evergreen packages and sells.
The below information is from the towerhobbies.com website
This Package Contains an 8 Ounce Assortment of Styrene Pieces (Odds & Ends) for Your Scratch Modeling Needs from Evergreen Scale Models.
FEATURES: Great for many scratch modeling needs: -Model Railroading -Architectural Models -Military Models -Industrial Models -Miniatures -Ships and Planes These white styrene pieces may be bonded and painted. Various pieces in various sizes and shapes are included, for example: tubing, rods, strips, gray plain sheet, white sheets, patterned sheet. A wood grain appearance my be created easily. Nearly any type of weathering can be applied to a painted styrene surface. Sturdy and durable. User friendly, economical, and high quality styrene enhances scratch model building techniques. Instructions for uses on back of package.
INCLUDES: An Assortment of Odds & Ends
REQUIRES: Modeling Knife Bonding Solvent (Refer to Package) Paint Materials (Refer to Package)
SPECS: 8oz Assortment Sheet Size: 6" x 12" Patterned Size: 4" x 8" Avg. Strip Length: 7" Avg. Rod Length: 6-3/4" Avg. Tube Length: 3-3/8"
I bought two packs last time I was in and got a really great selection of bits and pieces.
~Brian
All of those ideas are awesome. I too used to spend a lot on sheet styrene. Not anymore since i have been working for an advertising company. some of the ads are printed on polystyrene and are 18"x28" .20 and some ads in the ad cans ad bus stops are 48"x78" same thickness, and if i need them thicker just laminate them. After the ad runs its course and i take them down instead of trashing them i bring them home. I couldnt live enough for 25 modelers to use in a life time… just wish they came in shapes now…
Hey,Rivercat. Did you know that you can get a catalogue of EVERGREEN plastic then call them and order direct! I use them consistently because I build a lot of commission models and that at times takes BIG sheets.They have 18x24 etc. Give them a try and I don,t think you will be dissappointed. They also have a odds and ends pack you can buy.This is both the sheet stock and rod,tube and strip too. tankerbuilder
While you can get it from a number of plastics suppliers mail order (check Google), Micro Mark sells good size sheets at reasonable prices. I just get it there, since I order quite a lot from them. I think their sheets are 12 x 24.
Given the fact you live in St Louis there has to be a plastic supply firm in the area. There you should be able to source large sheets of styrene and Weld-On.
Here in our area (Wisconsin) we have http://www.midlandplastics.com/srtd_styrene.htm . They ship too! I suggest having them cut the full sheets into managable sizes to reduce shipping costs.
I suggest you go to local.com and search for plastic distributors in your city. I did and several were listed as possible resources.
I know that I came to the party way too late,but here’s the answer to your prayers: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=22883&catid=715
This is where I buy all my sheet styrene,and acrylic tubing from. I usually don’t require much more than this,so it’s extremely helpful. Great prices,and excellent service! I couldn’t be happier,and I will repeat my business with them exclusively from now on.
If you live in St Louis, look in the Phonebook under Plastic
Cope Plastic is an industrial suppier of plastic sheet, as is Laird Plastics, yhey will sell you styrene in 4 x 8 sheets in any thickness you could want… If you talk nice they will cut them in half or smaller for you.
I was able to get about 30 different packages on ebay for a modest cost.It included siding,rods,tubes,strips etc.
If you know anyone that works for Walmart you may be able to get a lot of thin sheets of styrene. The price numbers used on their big signs are made of styrene. I get a lot since I work there. When they get scratched, dirty or faded(from outside display), we just toss them in the trash. Like I said, they’re thin but free!
I have been saving those thin plastic cards that come in as junk mail. They look like credit cards but used for advertisement. I have a large stack of them and come in handy on projects needing flat material.
I go to a plastics wholesaler. A local sells styrene and other sheet in various thicknesses. I picked up .040 by 4’ by 8’ sheet for under $40CDN, then I cut it into 8 2-foot by 2-foot sheets. My supplier rolled it up and I scored it and wave snapped it (that’s like folding a sheet but more assertive) on a large dining room table.
Try looking up plastics wholesalers in the yellow resources and see who’s local. One more sheet in the .125 range and I think I’ll have a life-time supply.
Happy hunting.