Free samples?

[obseq]

Can anyone recommend a plastics distributor that provides free or cheap samples? Many of the companies I've looked into require a sizable minimum order, but I can't commit to that cost unless I can play around with a few different samples to see what works for my purposes.

Thanks!

[grommet]

what kind of plastics are you looking for?

[evaldart]

Obseq, go to the warehouse/shop of your local plastics supplier/fabricator. Bother them for some cut-offs (dig through their garbage). If they're cool they'll smell the potential of your interest and forsee future sales. If they're NOT cool then they'll "get the hell out of here, art-fart" you.

Also, for limited items industrial glass companies often work some plastic as well.

I have found that a polite, enthusiastic and well-spoken scavenger does okay for himself. If not, then its war. Stealth, midnight dumpster raids, and outright thievery might have to suffice. Theres No risk too great for artistic advancement.:D

[PTsideshow]

Here you go they have reasonable amounts ship fast and the web site has a lot of info on all the stuff they carry.
http://www.usplastic.com/
Been dealing with them for 25 + years.

Around here for years they have been selling the cut off or drops. At one when I would by a bunch of stuff they would let me dumpster dive for stuff like 1/4" wide 8 foot long trim offs. still using them up.
:D

[obseq]

Thanks for the replies, all.


I've done my share of dumpster diving lately, (for the prize of Dow Blue, with a coupla badly-sprained ankles to show for it).

PT, I received USPlastics' catalogue about a year ago, but I have to admit, their business model is off-putting to say the least.

I'm not exactly sure what kind of material I'll need.
From what I've been able to dig up, for my purposes, I think I'll need something in film-form, (possibly perforated/scored) that I can solvent weld in layers,
and later sand down to a smooth surface.

Additional background here:
http://www.sculpture.net/community/showthread.php?t=7474

I'd love to be able to solve this end of it as cheaply as possible considering all of my money has been going into casting bronze.
..Can't hurt to dream. ;)

[PTsideshow]

Thanks for the replies, all.

PT, I received USPlastics' catalogue about a year ago, but I have to admit, their business model is off-putting to say the least.



Well everybody needs a hobby,He has built over 80 churches world wide. He credits his success to his God's direction. Other than the story in the catalog and the packing material. I disregard it, They have what I generally need in the bottle cap and lab ware line along with the tubing and piping and fittings. Fast service, for me order before 11 pm at night it will be at my door by 3pm the next day during the week.
Plus they will bill you the first order out. I can't complain I have been dealing with them for 25 years or so.
:D