Where to buy big thick washers?

[pbon]

I have bought 1/4” thick 3” diameter washers from McMaster Carr. They have other sizes. I have tried making thick washers from steel plate but don’t have the right tools so it was messy and time consuming and the results were not great.

 

[dr_clyde]

"Here" is not relevant to the rest of the general population in the USA (at least).

Nor is "here" an accurate sample of the amount of money people have to sink into a shop or shop equipment.

Yes, I have heard of "Send Cut Send". For simple parts like washers that can be ordered from their site, fantastic.

For other parts, things that need to be drawn in CAD, that can be an obstacle.

The washers can get expensive if you only need a couple (minimum charge, shipping).

There is a huge difference between someone that is mechanically inclined and someone that isn't.

Yes, there is the internet and YouTube. But, when you don't know what it's called, searching can be difficult.

I'm glad that I can do what I can do, but that doesn't mean that anyone else should be able to do it too. There's also many, many people that know more.

So, why would I care about the general population when they’re not involved?

“Here” is all that’s relevant, because if you’re reading this, you’re here.

As for other obstacles, yeah, sure. If you want to find barriers you can. If you don’t have a car how can you go to the store? If you don’t have a computer how can you buy online? If you don’t have hands how can you use wrenches? There’s always something in your way.

Yeah, it’s not common to have a CNC plasma cutter in your garage. But it’s also not unheard of and it’s also very affordable to hire it done. People who read this forum are not representative of the general population who only park cars in their garage. Some people on this board have full blown CNC machine shops in their suburban two car garage.

All I did was provide a solution that some people may be able to utilize. If you don’t like it, you can ask for a refund.

 

[Garcky]

Go to a local farm supply store and head for the farm implement supplies aisle. You'll find lots of big, thick washers. they're used as spacers and shims on farm implements. You should find drawers of them there, so look through those and you'll probably find what you need, I think. I've done that a number of times. They're not cheap, though. They're parts, not hardware.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Several good suggestions on here. Some involving equipment that you may or may not have so I will chime in with my own suggestion. I have only done this a few times, but you can make your own to spec with a drill press, a hole saw, bits and some plate. At least up to a point. Certainly more versatile than what you will find in the big box stores anyway.

 

[RTM]

If I recall, the OP is a fellow SF Bay Area denizen, where big garages full of CNC plasma equipment, and tractor supply stores are in short supply. He might be an apartment dweller based on statistics of our population

I’d go for the sockets, or I can loan you my new to me bushing press set, but the drive to my neighborhood during bumpkin season could be a killer.

 

[dr_clyde]

If OP is in the Bay Area, go see Kevin Binkert at SMP Machine, they have a waterjet and would probably cut as many washers as OP wants.

 

[nmk_61802]

You are really looking for "Machine Bushings" or "Ring Shims" not washers at the sizes you are speaking:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[sparky 1971]

I didn't read very many posts so this may have been covered. Strut washers are available in the electrical and or plumbing sections at the box stores. Unistrut, powerstrut, etc. 3/16 or 1/4" thick and about 1-5/8" square, but the largest hole I've seen is 1/2".

 

[steel 35]

I just burn them out on my CNC plasma.

That;
Router work’s to

 

[nadogail]

The original question was not very specific and I did not catch the location of the original poster.

Therefore I am unable to provide specific answers to non specific questions.

 

[bluedog225]

I go to my local bolt and fastener store. Got a box of 50 fat hot dipped square washers for $50.