Hello everyone,

as I progress in this fantastic hobby I find it more and more necessary to ad more and more details that most off the shelf kits can't supply. I've seen many people do amazing things with copper wires, brass and thin abs sheets. I'd very much like to start experimenting myself but so far I've had little luck actually finding these materials. Can anyone really recommend an online retailer where you can get thin sheets of abs plastic or brass?

I'd greatly appreciate your help!

-Mike-

Get your wire from old electrical items that are beyond saving, the other items may be easier to pick up from an art store/hobby shop as it can be hard to decide what you want/need from an online store.

Mike,

You'll need to spend half your life in hardware, craft, art, and other weird stores "Browsing" for "Stuff". I get some of my finest wire in the beading section..........some sewing sections. Ultra Thin monofilament definately in the sewing section (rarely in the fishing section). I get all my thin aluminum "stock" from used beer cans. (I like making them empty). You need to be ALWAYS on the hunt. "Hmmmmm what could i use THAT for"? I get kinda embarrassed going into the cosmetic section............but there is "Stuff" there. You'll need to spend as much time THINKING about a part as actually building it. You'll build some of your own tools.

It's a scavenger hunt. A FUN one.

Regards
Steve

Mike, I took an old computer mouse apart and found alot of parts that can be useful. You will need a soldering iron to help release some of the parts. their is some fine copper and aluminum wire inside the cord. Their is some larger copper wire also inside some of the parts. Be careful some of the parts are sharp. Their are some small plastic boxes inside also, but need to be released from solder. Joe

Really cool stuff can be found inside old electrical stuff. The thinnest wire I've come across is inside light bulbs. The next time one blows, scavenge for all the tiny parts. USB thumb drives are cool to take apart too... although that could be expensive!

You will be surprised at how useful old sprues or resin casting blocks can be. Never throw away the interesting shaped ones!

Chas