where to get tin

[duke76]

I am looking for a few pounds of tin to make some 20 to 1 alloy, where is the best and cheapest place to find some, I see midway has some but is like 17.50 a pound plus shipping, if that is my only option I guess I will have to live with it but am looking for some a little cheaper, thanks Todd

[sundog]

Todd, quickest and easiest? Hardware store or plumbing shop for some lead free solder. Figure out the percentages, and go from there.

Last time I bought tin, it was a group buy of local guys - five gallon bucket of tin pellets. When delivered and divvied up, came out to $6/lb. I'm still using my part, and no, it's not for sale. I guess we won't see that price anymore...

[Tom Herman]

Try Ebay! Do searches for "Tin Alloy", "Bar Solder", and similar items. You'll probably be able to buy 37/63 solder, 50/50 solder, and similar items for fairly reasonable prices. Unless it states shipment price, email the seller beforehand to make sure they will ship via USPS Flat Rate package: That way, you'll get you metal for either $8.95 or $12.95 instead of megabucks.
I had to ship 2,000 .45 Long Colt 255 GR. SWC back from New England, and I did it by stuffing 1,000 into each box (40 pounds each).
At the time, the $16.20 I paid was well worth it, plus I got the amusement of watching the Postmaster go nuts trying to find some way to charge me full rate. He eventually broke down and accepted the packages, and told me that full rate on each was something like $76!
Good Luck! -Tom

[GabbyM]

http://rotometals.3dcartstores.com/Base-Metals-in-Ingot_c_36.html

32 lb. Block of tin for $393.00. shipped. Comes out to $12.28 per lb. Two weeks ago you could buy the same block for $10.90 per lb.

32 lbs. Of tin will make 640 lbs. of 1 to 20. Comes out to 62 cents per pound for the tin. Then add 90 cents for soft lead and you've $1.62 per lb. 1 to 20 alloy.
You may have to pay $1.00 per lb for the lead though.

Shocking isn't it.

[calaloo]

Duke, if you wane a true 20:1 alloy be aware that bar solder, solid wire solder,etc. have other metals in them than just tin and lead. I used supposidly 50:50 Kester solder to make some 30:1 alloy and it turned out much harder than it should have. check thetinwadman at cox dot net ( fix the email address so it will work) . He is listing 1 pound bars for $11.00.

Bill

[mto7464]

However with the high price of soldier and the cheap radiators that are coming from China my local guy is not repairing many anymore, it costs less to put a new one in. He was my sole source for Tin and I have used more then I should at times but no longer will waste it. He sold it to me for something like .35/lb. for 40/60.

[VTDW]

E-Bay has some right now. Search under Linotype as it is hidden in there.

Dave

[DLCTEX]

Search out old trophies, they are pewter (high tin content). Thrift shops may have old pewter trays, ash trays, etc. The school janitor may know where a stash of old trophies are stored, and they may be available for quiet removal. People want team and individual trophies to be displayed forever, but time marches on. DALE