Barrel Block or Aluminum bedding block question

[royinidaho]

What kind of aluminum or aluminum alloy is used for bedding blocks or barrel blocks.

I'm looking for a material for an accessory that I'm cobbling up.

Also, who made steel so heavy and aluminum so expensive, huh?

[James Jones]

Generaly 6061 series aluminum is the most common "good" aluminum , the 7075 is a good bit stronger but its a good bit more expensive also. For a bedding block the 6061 should serve you fine.
Check out E-bay they have a lot of dealers that you can E-amil and buy directly from them , namely Speedy Metals , they have good shipping time and decient prices

[Buffalobob]

Might look at Wikipedia for a quick primer on aluminum vs steel. Then look in more detail at types of aluminum. There is a place for steel and a place for aluminum and the various alloys of each.

Aluminum is expensive because refining it requires huge inputs of electricity.

[James Jones]

Roy , how big of a block are you trying to make?

[davewilson]

Roy, Bruce Baer told me he uses 7000 series for barrel blocks. as stated they are stronger and according to him they buff up to a higher gloss finish. i was told to go with 6061 on mine because i was welding to it and wasn't looking for that "range queen" finish.