makernexuswiki - User contributions [en]

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-13T16:55:13Z

Slucas: /* Fittings */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut.
* Broad selection of veneers, including smaller packs, variety packs, and large sheets in rolls. Veneering tools and adhesives are also available.
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

===Buying Wood===
A lumber yard visit can be intimidating. Big box stores are mostly self-service, but when you go to a high-end provider like Global Wood Source or Moore Newton, you'll be more successful if you have a good plan and know how to ask for what you want.

These videos from [https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissanceWW RenaissanceWW] will help you plan and buy lumber. As your skills grow, so will your expectations for your materials. These resources are a good place to start.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXqf7gkl76E At the Lumber Yard]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_FtDyWVyw&t=3s Planning Your Cuts]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d16HDgs7wA Terms and Practices] - this is a bit long and the audio's not great, but the video takes the mystery out of lumber yard terminology.

===Resources===
[https://www.wood-database.com/ The Wood Database]

[https://lostartpress.com/collections/wood-knowledge/products/with-the-grain-a-craftsman-s-guide-to-understanding-wood With the Grain: A Craftsman's Guide to Understanding Wood]

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

===[https://www.amanatool.com Amana Tools]===
* Another premier bit provider for CNC and routers.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com Woodcraft]===
* See above, a comprehensive selection of router and CNC bits. I'm not aware of a local retailer who has more stock on hand.

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===
* In stock at [https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft].
* Very expensive, unbeatable quality.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/collections/highpoint-hardware?srsltid=AU7gw4U6YNUIucKzxrucBefCZC7JDK8lYXlMwWH7Ns-rW1HqFKt-jxRw Highpoint]===
* Woodcraft house brand.
* Not as expensive as Brusso but still very good quality.

===[https://www.pennstateind.com Penn State Industries]===
* Want to make a pen? How about a bottle stopper or pepper mill? They have all kinds of unique kits.

===[https://www.woodturningz.com/Hockey Woodturningz]===
* Great variety of themed pen kits.

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-13T16:49:13Z

Slucas: /* Brusso */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut.
* Broad selection of veneers, including smaller packs, variety packs, and large sheets in rolls. Veneering tools and adhesives are also available.
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

===Buying Wood===
A lumber yard visit can be intimidating. Big box stores are mostly self-service, but when you go to a high-end provider like Global Wood Source or Moore Newton, you'll be more successful if you have a good plan and know how to ask for what you want.

These videos from [https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissanceWW RenaissanceWW] will help you plan and buy lumber. As your skills grow, so will your expectations for your materials. These resources are a good place to start.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXqf7gkl76E At the Lumber Yard]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_FtDyWVyw&t=3s Planning Your Cuts]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d16HDgs7wA Terms and Practices] - this is a bit long and the audio's not great, but the video takes the mystery out of lumber yard terminology.

===Resources===
[https://www.wood-database.com/ The Wood Database]

[https://lostartpress.com/collections/wood-knowledge/products/with-the-grain-a-craftsman-s-guide-to-understanding-wood With the Grain: A Craftsman's Guide to Understanding Wood]

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

===[https://www.amanatool.com Amana Tools]===
* Another premier bit provider for CNC and routers.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com Woodcraft]===
* See above, a comprehensive selection of router and CNC bits. I'm not aware of a local retailer who has more stock on hand.

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===
* In stock at [https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft].
* Very expensive, unbeatable quality.

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-13T16:14:13Z

Slucas: /* Woodcraft */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut.
* Broad selection of veneers, including smaller packs, variety packs, and large sheets in rolls. Veneering tools and adhesives are also available.
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

===Buying Wood===
A lumber yard visit can be intimidating. Big box stores are mostly self-service, but when you go to a high-end provider like Global Wood Source or Moore Newton, you'll be more successful if you have a good plan and know how to ask for what you want.

These videos from [https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissanceWW RenaissanceWW] will help you plan and buy lumber. As your skills grow, so will your expectations for your materials. These resources are a good place to start.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXqf7gkl76E At the Lumber Yard]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_FtDyWVyw&t=3s Planning Your Cuts]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d16HDgs7wA Terms and Practices] - this is a bit long and the audio's not great, but the video takes the mystery out of lumber yard terminology.

===Resources===
[https://www.wood-database.com/ The Wood Database]

[https://lostartpress.com/collections/wood-knowledge/products/with-the-grain-a-craftsman-s-guide-to-understanding-wood With the Grain: A Craftsman's Guide to Understanding Wood]

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

===[https://www.amanatool.com Amana Tools]===
* Another premier bit provider for CNC and routers.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com Woodcraft]===
* See above, a comprehensive selection of router and CNC bits. I'm not aware of a local retailer who has more stock on hand.

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-13T16:12:47Z

Slucas: /* Wood & Veneers */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

===Buying Wood===
A lumber yard visit can be intimidating. Big box stores are mostly self-service, but when you go to a high-end provider like Global Wood Source or Moore Newton, you'll be more successful if you have a good plan and know how to ask for what you want.

These videos from [https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissanceWW RenaissanceWW] will help you plan and buy lumber. As your skills grow, so will your expectations for your materials. These resources are a good place to start.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXqf7gkl76E At the Lumber Yard]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_FtDyWVyw&t=3s Planning Your Cuts]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d16HDgs7wA Terms and Practices] - this is a bit long and the audio's not great, but the video takes the mystery out of lumber yard terminology.

===Resources===
[https://www.wood-database.com/ The Wood Database]

[https://lostartpress.com/collections/wood-knowledge/products/with-the-grain-a-craftsman-s-guide-to-understanding-wood With the Grain: A Craftsman's Guide to Understanding Wood]

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

===[https://www.amanatool.com Amana Tools]===
* Another premier bit provider for CNC and routers.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com Woodcraft]===
* See above, a comprehensive selection of router and CNC bits. I'm not aware of a local retailer who has more stock on hand.

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-13T15:49:25Z

Slucas: /* Wood & Veneers */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

===Buying Wood===
A lumber yard visit can be intimidating. Big box stores are mostly self-service, but when you go to a high-end provider like Global Wood Source or Moore Newton, you'll be more successful if you have a good plan and know how to ask for what you want.

These videos from [https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissanceWW RenaissanceWW] will help you plan and buy lumber. As your skills grow, so will your expectations for your materials. These resources are a good place to start.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXqf7gkl76E At the Lumber Yard]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_FtDyWVyw&t=3s Planning Your Cuts]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d16HDgs7wA Terms and Practices] - this is a bit long and the audio's not great, but the video takes the mystery out of lumber yard terminology.

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

===[https://www.amanatool.com Amana Tools]===
* Another premier bit provider for CNC and routers.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com Woodcraft]===
* See above, a comprehensive selection of router and CNC bits. I'm not aware of a local retailer who has more stock on hand.

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-13T15:11:47Z

Slucas: /* [https://www.amanatool.com] */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

===[https://www.amanatool.com Amana Tools]===
* Another premier bit provider for CNC and routers.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com Woodcraft]===
* See above, a comprehensive selection of router and CNC bits. I'm not aware of a local retailer who has more stock on hand.

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-13T15:11:35Z

Slucas: /* Wood CNC and Tools */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

===[https://www.amanatool.com]===
* Another premier bit provider for CNC and routers.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com Woodcraft]===
* See above, a comprehensive selection of router and CNC bits. I'm not aware of a local retailer who has more stock on hand.

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-13T15:10:02Z

Slucas: /* Wood CNC and Tools */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

===[https://www.amanatool.com]===
* Another premier bit provider for CNC and routers.

===[https://www.woodcraft.com]===
* See above, a comprehensive selection of router and CNC bits. I'm not aware of a local retailer who has more stock on hand.

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

MN Woodshop

2026-10-08T16:14:21Z

Slucas: /* Personal Protection */

[[Category:Maker Nexus Makerspace]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:Woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop.jpeg||Maker Nexus woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop2.jpeg|thumb|Another angle of the Maker Nexus woodshop]]

= About the Maker Nexus woodshop =

We have a full [[Woodshops|woodshop]] on site. [https://www.makernexus.org/join-maker-nexus Members] take classes to gain certification to use the equipment on their own to build everything from turned pens up to large furniture. We feature a wide variety of hand and power tools, including a [[SawStop_Professional_3HP_Table_Saw|SawStop]] table saw and a 4x4' [[Shopbot_and_Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]] CNC router. Various tables can be used for glue-ups and work assembly. We use mobile dust collectors and ShopVacs to help keep the area tidy.

Non-members may take skill or project-based [https://www.makernexus.org/classes classes] to learn how to use the equipment as well.

= Education =

[[Woodworking Camp]]

= Available Tools =

[[File:mn-bandsaws.jpeg|thumb|Bandsaws]]

== Band Saws ==
* [[Jet JWBS-14CS 14" Woodworking Band Saw]]
* [[Grizzly G0511 20" Heavy-Duty Bandsaw]]

[[Bandsaw tips]]

== Drill Presses ==
* [[Delta 17-900 Drill Press]]
* [[Delta 11-990 Benchtop Drill Press]]
* [[PowerMatic Drill Press]]

== Jointer ==
[[Powermatic 60 B 8" Jointer]]

[[File:mn-woodlathes.jpeg|thumb|Woodshop lathes]]

== Lathes ==
*[[Nova DVR XP Woodlathe]]
*[[Jet 1014 Mini Lathe]]s (4)

[[MN Wood Lathe advice | Advice on wood lathe use]]

[[File:mn-mitersaws.jpeg|thumb|Miter saws]]

== Miter Saws ==
[[DeWalt 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw]]

== Mortiser ==
[[Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser]]

== Planer ==
[[Powermatic PM180 18" Planer]]

== Scroll Saw ==
[[DeWalt DW788 20" Variable-Speed Scroll Saw]]

[[File:mn-tablesaw.jpeg|thumb|SawStop table saw]]

== Table Saw ==

=== SawStop cabinet table saw ===

We have two [[SawStop Professional 3HP Table Saws]]. Please read that page on how to not trigger the saw brake inadvertently.

Please see our [[Woodshops#Hazards_from_saw_blades|table saw safety notes]].

[[File:mn-panel-cnc.jpeg|thumb|Panel saw, router tables, ShopBot CNC]]

== Panel Saw ==

== Router Table ==

* We have 1/4" and 1/2" collets

[[Bosch Router]]

== CNC Router ==

===ShopBot===
We have a 4x4 ShopBot. We have a dedicated page for the [[Shopbot and Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]]

We have a license to the makerspace edition of Vetric V-Carve. To activate your copy use the license key found in [https://docs.google.com/document/d/11AxnwOG4xetnLw79vpIqZA8DK5CgwhHUWFBRJLU-QjA/edit this document on our GSuite file share].

[[File:mn-handtools.jpeg|thumb|Various hand tools]]

== Manual Tools ==
* Screwdrivers and bits
* Wrenches
* Pliers
* Chisels
* Rulers
* Machinist squares
* Saws
* Clamps

== Fasteners ==
* Screws
* Nails
* Dowels

== Hand Power Tools ==
*Drills
*Drivers
*Routers
**Plunge Router
**Fixed Base Router
**Trim Router
*Sanders
**Random Orbit Sander
**Belt Sander
*Sawzall
*Skilsaw

When using the battery powered tools, always pull a fresh battery off the charger (and put any battery previously attached to the tool onto that same charger) when you start to use a tool.
That way, regardless of what pattern other people are following, you always start off with a fresh battery, and at least one other fully-charged battery will be available for the next person who needs one.

[[File:mn-downdrafttable.jpeg|thumb|Downdraft table, spindle sanders, belt sander]]

== Downdraft table ==

== Sanders ==
*[[Jet JWDS-1632 16" Drum Sander]]
*Belt & Disc Sander
*Spindle Sander

== Dust Control ==
Many woodworking tools produce fine dust, which can be both a breathing hazard and a potential fire hazard. Sawdust and other debris on floors can also be a slipping hazard. At Maker Nexus we employ a number of measures to mitigate these hazards.

Hoses from our central [[#Dust Collectors|dust collectors]] connect to various machines in the Wood Shop to suck up dust as it is created and filter it out of the air. When using machines connected to the dust collectors, aways check to see that the air intakes are drawing effectively.

Our [[#Air Filtration|air filtration]] units can continuously circulate the air in the shop, filtering out dust not picked up by the dust collectors. A home-built [[#Air Quality Monitoring|air quality monitoring system]] incorporating multiple particle counters will control the air filtration units and also allow us to keep a record of air quality in the shop.

We have several [[#Shop Vacs|shop vacs]] (as well as dust cloths, brooms, and mops) for members to use to clean their work areas and the surrounding floor. When using tools that require reservations, remember to stop work in time to use the last portion of your reserved time slot—''not'' the beginning of the next person's time—for clean-up.

Finally, when you are using a machine that generates a lot of dust, or when particularly dusty operations are going on in the shop, we recommend—and may sometimes require—that you wear a dust mask.

=== Dust Collectors ===
When you turn off a dust collector, after it spins down, turn the beater handle through 3-4 complete rotations to knock free any material that has been pulled tight against the filter paper. If you don't do that, the filters get clogged and CFM goes down, and air quality suffers. (The beater handle is the metal handle that hangs down from the top of the filter.)

* [[Jet DC-1200VX Dust Collector]]
* [[Powermatic PM1900 Dust Collector]]

=== Air Filtration ===

[[Jet AFS-2000 Air Filtration Unit]]s

=== Shop Vacs ===

== Personal Protection ==
Safety glasses are required at all times in the wood shop. They are available at the PPE station near the entrance to the shop, although most regular users have their own. Hearing and respiratory protection are strongly encouraged but not required for most operations. At the shop manager's discretion, some tasks may require additional PPE. Disposable N95 masks and ear plugs are available at the PPE station. We also have available over-the-ear muffs.

MN Woodshop

2026-10-08T16:12:53Z

Slucas: /* Personal Protection */

[[Category:Maker Nexus Makerspace]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:Woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop.jpeg||Maker Nexus woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop2.jpeg|thumb|Another angle of the Maker Nexus woodshop]]

= About the Maker Nexus woodshop =

We have a full [[Woodshops|woodshop]] on site. [https://www.makernexus.org/join-maker-nexus Members] take classes to gain certification to use the equipment on their own to build everything from turned pens up to large furniture. We feature a wide variety of hand and power tools, including a [[SawStop_Professional_3HP_Table_Saw|SawStop]] table saw and a 4x4' [[Shopbot_and_Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]] CNC router. Various tables can be used for glue-ups and work assembly. We use mobile dust collectors and ShopVacs to help keep the area tidy.

Non-members may take skill or project-based [https://www.makernexus.org/classes classes] to learn how to use the equipment as well.

= Education =

[[Woodworking Camp]]

= Available Tools =

[[File:mn-bandsaws.jpeg|thumb|Bandsaws]]

== Band Saws ==
* [[Jet JWBS-14CS 14" Woodworking Band Saw]]
* [[Grizzly G0511 20" Heavy-Duty Bandsaw]]

[[Bandsaw tips]]

== Drill Presses ==
* [[Delta 17-900 Drill Press]]
* [[Delta 11-990 Benchtop Drill Press]]
* [[PowerMatic Drill Press]]

== Jointer ==
[[Powermatic 60 B 8" Jointer]]

[[File:mn-woodlathes.jpeg|thumb|Woodshop lathes]]

== Lathes ==
*[[Nova DVR XP Woodlathe]]
*[[Jet 1014 Mini Lathe]]s (4)

[[MN Wood Lathe advice | Advice on wood lathe use]]

[[File:mn-mitersaws.jpeg|thumb|Miter saws]]

== Miter Saws ==
[[DeWalt 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw]]

== Mortiser ==
[[Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser]]

== Planer ==
[[Powermatic PM180 18" Planer]]

== Scroll Saw ==
[[DeWalt DW788 20" Variable-Speed Scroll Saw]]

[[File:mn-tablesaw.jpeg|thumb|SawStop table saw]]

== Table Saw ==

=== SawStop cabinet table saw ===

We have two [[SawStop Professional 3HP Table Saws]]. Please read that page on how to not trigger the saw brake inadvertently.

Please see our [[Woodshops#Hazards_from_saw_blades|table saw safety notes]].

[[File:mn-panel-cnc.jpeg|thumb|Panel saw, router tables, ShopBot CNC]]

== Panel Saw ==

== Router Table ==

* We have 1/4" and 1/2" collets

[[Bosch Router]]

== CNC Router ==

===ShopBot===
We have a 4x4 ShopBot. We have a dedicated page for the [[Shopbot and Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]]

We have a license to the makerspace edition of Vetric V-Carve. To activate your copy use the license key found in [https://docs.google.com/document/d/11AxnwOG4xetnLw79vpIqZA8DK5CgwhHUWFBRJLU-QjA/edit this document on our GSuite file share].

[[File:mn-handtools.jpeg|thumb|Various hand tools]]

== Manual Tools ==
* Screwdrivers and bits
* Wrenches
* Pliers
* Chisels
* Rulers
* Machinist squares
* Saws
* Clamps

== Fasteners ==
* Screws
* Nails
* Dowels

== Hand Power Tools ==
*Drills
*Drivers
*Routers
**Plunge Router
**Fixed Base Router
**Trim Router
*Sanders
**Random Orbit Sander
**Belt Sander
*Sawzall
*Skilsaw

When using the battery powered tools, always pull a fresh battery off the charger (and put any battery previously attached to the tool onto that same charger) when you start to use a tool.
That way, regardless of what pattern other people are following, you always start off with a fresh battery, and at least one other fully-charged battery will be available for the next person who needs one.

[[File:mn-downdrafttable.jpeg|thumb|Downdraft table, spindle sanders, belt sander]]

== Downdraft table ==

== Sanders ==
*[[Jet JWDS-1632 16" Drum Sander]]
*Belt & Disc Sander
*Spindle Sander

== Dust Control ==
Many woodworking tools produce fine dust, which can be both a breathing hazard and a potential fire hazard. Sawdust and other debris on floors can also be a slipping hazard. At Maker Nexus we employ a number of measures to mitigate these hazards.

Hoses from our central [[#Dust Collectors|dust collectors]] connect to various machines in the Wood Shop to suck up dust as it is created and filter it out of the air. When using machines connected to the dust collectors, aways check to see that the air intakes are drawing effectively.

Our [[#Air Filtration|air filtration]] units can continuously circulate the air in the shop, filtering out dust not picked up by the dust collectors. A home-built [[#Air Quality Monitoring|air quality monitoring system]] incorporating multiple particle counters will control the air filtration units and also allow us to keep a record of air quality in the shop.

We have several [[#Shop Vacs|shop vacs]] (as well as dust cloths, brooms, and mops) for members to use to clean their work areas and the surrounding floor. When using tools that require reservations, remember to stop work in time to use the last portion of your reserved time slot—''not'' the beginning of the next person's time—for clean-up.

Finally, when you are using a machine that generates a lot of dust, or when particularly dusty operations are going on in the shop, we recommend—and may sometimes require—that you wear a dust mask.

=== Dust Collectors ===
When you turn off a dust collector, after it spins down, turn the beater handle through 3-4 complete rotations to knock free any material that has been pulled tight against the filter paper. If you don't do that, the filters get clogged and CFM goes down, and air quality suffers. (The beater handle is the metal handle that hangs down from the top of the filter.)

* [[Jet DC-1200VX Dust Collector]]
* [[Powermatic PM1900 Dust Collector]]

=== Air Filtration ===

[[Jet AFS-2000 Air Filtration Unit]]s

=== Shop Vacs ===

== Personal Protection ==
Safety glasses are required at all times in the wood shop. They are available at the PPE station near the entrance to the shop, although most regular users have their own. Hearing and respiratory protection are strongly encouraged but not required. Disposable N95 masks and ear plugs are available at the PPE station. We also have available over-the-ear muffs.

MN Woodshop

2026-10-08T16:12:18Z

Slucas: /* Personal Protection */

[[Category:Maker Nexus Makerspace]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:Woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop.jpeg||Maker Nexus woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop2.jpeg|thumb|Another angle of the Maker Nexus woodshop]]

= About the Maker Nexus woodshop =

We have a full [[Woodshops|woodshop]] on site. [https://www.makernexus.org/join-maker-nexus Members] take classes to gain certification to use the equipment on their own to build everything from turned pens up to large furniture. We feature a wide variety of hand and power tools, including a [[SawStop_Professional_3HP_Table_Saw|SawStop]] table saw and a 4x4' [[Shopbot_and_Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]] CNC router. Various tables can be used for glue-ups and work assembly. We use mobile dust collectors and ShopVacs to help keep the area tidy.

Non-members may take skill or project-based [https://www.makernexus.org/classes classes] to learn how to use the equipment as well.

= Education =

[[Woodworking Camp]]

= Available Tools =

[[File:mn-bandsaws.jpeg|thumb|Bandsaws]]

== Band Saws ==
* [[Jet JWBS-14CS 14" Woodworking Band Saw]]
* [[Grizzly G0511 20" Heavy-Duty Bandsaw]]

[[Bandsaw tips]]

== Drill Presses ==
* [[Delta 17-900 Drill Press]]
* [[Delta 11-990 Benchtop Drill Press]]
* [[PowerMatic Drill Press]]

== Jointer ==
[[Powermatic 60 B 8" Jointer]]

[[File:mn-woodlathes.jpeg|thumb|Woodshop lathes]]

== Lathes ==
*[[Nova DVR XP Woodlathe]]
*[[Jet 1014 Mini Lathe]]s (4)

[[MN Wood Lathe advice | Advice on wood lathe use]]

[[File:mn-mitersaws.jpeg|thumb|Miter saws]]

== Miter Saws ==
[[DeWalt 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw]]

== Mortiser ==
[[Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser]]

== Planer ==
[[Powermatic PM180 18" Planer]]

== Scroll Saw ==
[[DeWalt DW788 20" Variable-Speed Scroll Saw]]

[[File:mn-tablesaw.jpeg|thumb|SawStop table saw]]

== Table Saw ==

=== SawStop cabinet table saw ===

We have two [[SawStop Professional 3HP Table Saws]]. Please read that page on how to not trigger the saw brake inadvertently.

Please see our [[Woodshops#Hazards_from_saw_blades|table saw safety notes]].

[[File:mn-panel-cnc.jpeg|thumb|Panel saw, router tables, ShopBot CNC]]

== Panel Saw ==

== Router Table ==

* We have 1/4" and 1/2" collets

[[Bosch Router]]

== CNC Router ==

===ShopBot===
We have a 4x4 ShopBot. We have a dedicated page for the [[Shopbot and Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]]

We have a license to the makerspace edition of Vetric V-Carve. To activate your copy use the license key found in [https://docs.google.com/document/d/11AxnwOG4xetnLw79vpIqZA8DK5CgwhHUWFBRJLU-QjA/edit this document on our GSuite file share].

[[File:mn-handtools.jpeg|thumb|Various hand tools]]

== Manual Tools ==
* Screwdrivers and bits
* Wrenches
* Pliers
* Chisels
* Rulers
* Machinist squares
* Saws
* Clamps

== Fasteners ==
* Screws
* Nails
* Dowels

== Hand Power Tools ==
*Drills
*Drivers
*Routers
**Plunge Router
**Fixed Base Router
**Trim Router
*Sanders
**Random Orbit Sander
**Belt Sander
*Sawzall
*Skilsaw

When using the battery powered tools, always pull a fresh battery off the charger (and put any battery previously attached to the tool onto that same charger) when you start to use a tool.
That way, regardless of what pattern other people are following, you always start off with a fresh battery, and at least one other fully-charged battery will be available for the next person who needs one.

[[File:mn-downdrafttable.jpeg|thumb|Downdraft table, spindle sanders, belt sander]]

== Downdraft table ==

== Sanders ==
*[[Jet JWDS-1632 16" Drum Sander]]
*Belt & Disc Sander
*Spindle Sander

== Dust Control ==
Many woodworking tools produce fine dust, which can be both a breathing hazard and a potential fire hazard. Sawdust and other debris on floors can also be a slipping hazard. At Maker Nexus we employ a number of measures to mitigate these hazards.

Hoses from our central [[#Dust Collectors|dust collectors]] connect to various machines in the Wood Shop to suck up dust as it is created and filter it out of the air. When using machines connected to the dust collectors, aways check to see that the air intakes are drawing effectively.

Our [[#Air Filtration|air filtration]] units can continuously circulate the air in the shop, filtering out dust not picked up by the dust collectors. A home-built [[#Air Quality Monitoring|air quality monitoring system]] incorporating multiple particle counters will control the air filtration units and also allow us to keep a record of air quality in the shop.

We have several [[#Shop Vacs|shop vacs]] (as well as dust cloths, brooms, and mops) for members to use to clean their work areas and the surrounding floor. When using tools that require reservations, remember to stop work in time to use the last portion of your reserved time slot—''not'' the beginning of the next person's time—for clean-up.

Finally, when you are using a machine that generates a lot of dust, or when particularly dusty operations are going on in the shop, we recommend—and may sometimes require—that you wear a dust mask.

=== Dust Collectors ===
When you turn off a dust collector, after it spins down, turn the beater handle through 3-4 complete rotations to knock free any material that has been pulled tight against the filter paper. If you don't do that, the filters get clogged and CFM goes down, and air quality suffers. (The beater handle is the metal handle that hangs down from the top of the filter.)

* [[Jet DC-1200VX Dust Collector]]
* [[Powermatic PM1900 Dust Collector]]

=== Air Filtration ===

[[Jet AFS-2000 Air Filtration Unit]]s

=== Shop Vacs ===

== Personal Protection ==
Safety glasses are required at all times in the wood shop. They are available at the PPE station near the entrance to the shop. Hearing and respiratory protection are strongly encouraged but not required. Disposable N95 masks and ear plugs are available at the PPE station. We also have available over-the-ear muffs.

MN Woodshop

2026-10-08T16:08:55Z

Slucas: /* SawStop cabinet table saw */

[[Category:Maker Nexus Makerspace]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:Woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop.jpeg||Maker Nexus woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop2.jpeg|thumb|Another angle of the Maker Nexus woodshop]]

= About the Maker Nexus woodshop =

We have a full [[Woodshops|woodshop]] on site. [https://www.makernexus.org/join-maker-nexus Members] take classes to gain certification to use the equipment on their own to build everything from turned pens up to large furniture. We feature a wide variety of hand and power tools, including a [[SawStop_Professional_3HP_Table_Saw|SawStop]] table saw and a 4x4' [[Shopbot_and_Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]] CNC router. Various tables can be used for glue-ups and work assembly. We use mobile dust collectors and ShopVacs to help keep the area tidy.

Non-members may take skill or project-based [https://www.makernexus.org/classes classes] to learn how to use the equipment as well.

= Education =

[[Woodworking Camp]]

= Available Tools =

[[File:mn-bandsaws.jpeg|thumb|Bandsaws]]

== Band Saws ==
* [[Jet JWBS-14CS 14" Woodworking Band Saw]]
* [[Grizzly G0511 20" Heavy-Duty Bandsaw]]

[[Bandsaw tips]]

== Drill Presses ==
* [[Delta 17-900 Drill Press]]
* [[Delta 11-990 Benchtop Drill Press]]
* [[PowerMatic Drill Press]]

== Jointer ==
[[Powermatic 60 B 8" Jointer]]

[[File:mn-woodlathes.jpeg|thumb|Woodshop lathes]]

== Lathes ==
*[[Nova DVR XP Woodlathe]]
*[[Jet 1014 Mini Lathe]]s (4)

[[MN Wood Lathe advice | Advice on wood lathe use]]

[[File:mn-mitersaws.jpeg|thumb|Miter saws]]

== Miter Saws ==
[[DeWalt 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw]]

== Mortiser ==
[[Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser]]

== Planer ==
[[Powermatic PM180 18" Planer]]

== Scroll Saw ==
[[DeWalt DW788 20" Variable-Speed Scroll Saw]]

[[File:mn-tablesaw.jpeg|thumb|SawStop table saw]]

== Table Saw ==

=== SawStop cabinet table saw ===

We have two [[SawStop Professional 3HP Table Saws]]. Please read that page on how to not trigger the saw brake inadvertently.

Please see our [[Woodshops#Hazards_from_saw_blades|table saw safety notes]].

[[File:mn-panel-cnc.jpeg|thumb|Panel saw, router tables, ShopBot CNC]]

== Panel Saw ==

== Router Table ==

* We have 1/4" and 1/2" collets

[[Bosch Router]]

== CNC Router ==

===ShopBot===
We have a 4x4 ShopBot. We have a dedicated page for the [[Shopbot and Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]]

We have a license to the makerspace edition of Vetric V-Carve. To activate your copy use the license key found in [https://docs.google.com/document/d/11AxnwOG4xetnLw79vpIqZA8DK5CgwhHUWFBRJLU-QjA/edit this document on our GSuite file share].

[[File:mn-handtools.jpeg|thumb|Various hand tools]]

== Manual Tools ==
* Screwdrivers and bits
* Wrenches
* Pliers
* Chisels
* Rulers
* Machinist squares
* Saws
* Clamps

== Fasteners ==
* Screws
* Nails
* Dowels

== Hand Power Tools ==
*Drills
*Drivers
*Routers
**Plunge Router
**Fixed Base Router
**Trim Router
*Sanders
**Random Orbit Sander
**Belt Sander
*Sawzall
*Skilsaw

When using the battery powered tools, always pull a fresh battery off the charger (and put any battery previously attached to the tool onto that same charger) when you start to use a tool.
That way, regardless of what pattern other people are following, you always start off with a fresh battery, and at least one other fully-charged battery will be available for the next person who needs one.

[[File:mn-downdrafttable.jpeg|thumb|Downdraft table, spindle sanders, belt sander]]

== Downdraft table ==

== Sanders ==
*[[Jet JWDS-1632 16" Drum Sander]]
*Belt & Disc Sander
*Spindle Sander

== Dust Control ==
Many woodworking tools produce fine dust, which can be both a breathing hazard and a potential fire hazard. Sawdust and other debris on floors can also be a slipping hazard. At Maker Nexus we employ a number of measures to mitigate these hazards.

Hoses from our central [[#Dust Collectors|dust collectors]] connect to various machines in the Wood Shop to suck up dust as it is created and filter it out of the air. When using machines connected to the dust collectors, aways check to see that the air intakes are drawing effectively.

Our [[#Air Filtration|air filtration]] units can continuously circulate the air in the shop, filtering out dust not picked up by the dust collectors. A home-built [[#Air Quality Monitoring|air quality monitoring system]] incorporating multiple particle counters will control the air filtration units and also allow us to keep a record of air quality in the shop.

We have several [[#Shop Vacs|shop vacs]] (as well as dust cloths, brooms, and mops) for members to use to clean their work areas and the surrounding floor. When using tools that require reservations, remember to stop work in time to use the last portion of your reserved time slot—''not'' the beginning of the next person's time—for clean-up.

Finally, when you are using a machine that generates a lot of dust, or when particularly dusty operations are going on in the shop, we recommend—and may sometimes require—that you wear a dust mask.

=== Dust Collectors ===
When you turn off a dust collector, after it spins down, turn the beater handle through 3-4 complete rotations to knock free any material that has been pulled tight against the filter paper. If you don't do that, the filters get clogged and CFM goes down, and air quality suffers. (The beater handle is the metal handle that hangs down from the top of the filter.)

* [[Jet DC-1200VX Dust Collector]]
* [[Powermatic PM1900 Dust Collector]]

=== Air Filtration ===

[[Jet AFS-2000 Air Filtration Unit]]s

=== Shop Vacs ===

== Personal Protection ==
Faceshield with airflow [https://www.amazon.com/TREND-AIR-PRO-Airshield-Faceshield/dp/B002Q0Y5IU TREND AIR PRO Airshield Faceshield ]

MN Woodshop

2026-10-08T16:08:14Z

Slucas: /* SawStop cabinet table saw */

[[Category:Maker Nexus Makerspace]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:Woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop.jpeg||Maker Nexus woodshop]]

[[File:mn-woodshop2.jpeg|thumb|Another angle of the Maker Nexus woodshop]]

= About the Maker Nexus woodshop =

We have a full [[Woodshops|woodshop]] on site. [https://www.makernexus.org/join-maker-nexus Members] take classes to gain certification to use the equipment on their own to build everything from turned pens up to large furniture. We feature a wide variety of hand and power tools, including a [[SawStop_Professional_3HP_Table_Saw|SawStop]] table saw and a 4x4' [[Shopbot_and_Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]] CNC router. Various tables can be used for glue-ups and work assembly. We use mobile dust collectors and ShopVacs to help keep the area tidy.

Non-members may take skill or project-based [https://www.makernexus.org/classes classes] to learn how to use the equipment as well.

= Education =

[[Woodworking Camp]]

= Available Tools =

[[File:mn-bandsaws.jpeg|thumb|Bandsaws]]

== Band Saws ==
* [[Jet JWBS-14CS 14" Woodworking Band Saw]]
* [[Grizzly G0511 20" Heavy-Duty Bandsaw]]

[[Bandsaw tips]]

== Drill Presses ==
* [[Delta 17-900 Drill Press]]
* [[Delta 11-990 Benchtop Drill Press]]
* [[PowerMatic Drill Press]]

== Jointer ==
[[Powermatic 60 B 8" Jointer]]

[[File:mn-woodlathes.jpeg|thumb|Woodshop lathes]]

== Lathes ==
*[[Nova DVR XP Woodlathe]]
*[[Jet 1014 Mini Lathe]]s (4)

[[MN Wood Lathe advice | Advice on wood lathe use]]

[[File:mn-mitersaws.jpeg|thumb|Miter saws]]

== Miter Saws ==
[[DeWalt 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw]]

== Mortiser ==
[[Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser]]

== Planer ==
[[Powermatic PM180 18" Planer]]

== Scroll Saw ==
[[DeWalt DW788 20" Variable-Speed Scroll Saw]]

[[File:mn-tablesaw.jpeg|thumb|SawStop table saw]]

== Table Saw ==

=== SawStop cabinet table saw ===

We have two [[SawStop Professional 3HP Table Saw]]. Please read that page on how to not trigger the saw brake inadvertently.

Please see our [[Woodshops#Hazards_from_saw_blades|table saw safety notes]].

[[File:mn-panel-cnc.jpeg|thumb|Panel saw, router tables, ShopBot CNC]]

== Panel Saw ==

== Router Table ==

* We have 1/4" and 1/2" collets

[[Bosch Router]]

== CNC Router ==

===ShopBot===
We have a 4x4 ShopBot. We have a dedicated page for the [[Shopbot and Tormak#ShopBot_Alpha|Shopbot]]

We have a license to the makerspace edition of Vetric V-Carve. To activate your copy use the license key found in [https://docs.google.com/document/d/11AxnwOG4xetnLw79vpIqZA8DK5CgwhHUWFBRJLU-QjA/edit this document on our GSuite file share].

[[File:mn-handtools.jpeg|thumb|Various hand tools]]

== Manual Tools ==
* Screwdrivers and bits
* Wrenches
* Pliers
* Chisels
* Rulers
* Machinist squares
* Saws
* Clamps

== Fasteners ==
* Screws
* Nails
* Dowels

== Hand Power Tools ==
*Drills
*Drivers
*Routers
**Plunge Router
**Fixed Base Router
**Trim Router
*Sanders
**Random Orbit Sander
**Belt Sander
*Sawzall
*Skilsaw

When using the battery powered tools, always pull a fresh battery off the charger (and put any battery previously attached to the tool onto that same charger) when you start to use a tool.
That way, regardless of what pattern other people are following, you always start off with a fresh battery, and at least one other fully-charged battery will be available for the next person who needs one.

[[File:mn-downdrafttable.jpeg|thumb|Downdraft table, spindle sanders, belt sander]]

== Downdraft table ==

== Sanders ==
*[[Jet JWDS-1632 16" Drum Sander]]
*Belt & Disc Sander
*Spindle Sander

== Dust Control ==
Many woodworking tools produce fine dust, which can be both a breathing hazard and a potential fire hazard. Sawdust and other debris on floors can also be a slipping hazard. At Maker Nexus we employ a number of measures to mitigate these hazards.

Hoses from our central [[#Dust Collectors|dust collectors]] connect to various machines in the Wood Shop to suck up dust as it is created and filter it out of the air. When using machines connected to the dust collectors, aways check to see that the air intakes are drawing effectively.

Our [[#Air Filtration|air filtration]] units can continuously circulate the air in the shop, filtering out dust not picked up by the dust collectors. A home-built [[#Air Quality Monitoring|air quality monitoring system]] incorporating multiple particle counters will control the air filtration units and also allow us to keep a record of air quality in the shop.

We have several [[#Shop Vacs|shop vacs]] (as well as dust cloths, brooms, and mops) for members to use to clean their work areas and the surrounding floor. When using tools that require reservations, remember to stop work in time to use the last portion of your reserved time slot—''not'' the beginning of the next person's time—for clean-up.

Finally, when you are using a machine that generates a lot of dust, or when particularly dusty operations are going on in the shop, we recommend—and may sometimes require—that you wear a dust mask.

=== Dust Collectors ===
When you turn off a dust collector, after it spins down, turn the beater handle through 3-4 complete rotations to knock free any material that has been pulled tight against the filter paper. If you don't do that, the filters get clogged and CFM goes down, and air quality suffers. (The beater handle is the metal handle that hangs down from the top of the filter.)

* [[Jet DC-1200VX Dust Collector]]
* [[Powermatic PM1900 Dust Collector]]

=== Air Filtration ===

[[Jet AFS-2000 Air Filtration Unit]]s

=== Shop Vacs ===

== Personal Protection ==
Faceshield with airflow [https://www.amazon.com/TREND-AIR-PRO-Airshield-Faceshield/dp/B002Q0Y5IU TREND AIR PRO Airshield Faceshield ]

File:Mn-mitersaws.jpeg

2026-10-08T02:31:37Z

Slucas: Slucas uploaded a new version of File:Mn-mitersaws.jpeg

== Summary ==
Miter saws

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-07T19:20:30Z

Slucas: /* Global Wood Source */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Milling services are available if you'd like help preparing your timber.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores

Supply Sources for Materials and Services

2026-10-07T19:19:02Z

Slucas: /* Wood & Veneers */

We have a little [[MN Retail|supplies store]] near the Main Entrance, but you will of course need more! Here is a list of local and online sources for materials and what we've bought there, at what price. Use this forum when the material is not specific to a particular device.

== General Suppliers ==
* [https://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials Ponoko] sells a range of laserable materials.
* [https://www.inventables.com/categories/materials Inventables] lots of maker suitable materials, many are not laser safe.
* [http://ikea.com Ikea] sells lots of small wooden items (spoons, coat hangers, wood cutting boards, etc) that can be laser etched as great gifts.
* [https://makerstock.com Makerstock] sells all kinds of materials.

== Plastics ==

Acrylic: Cast and Extruded.
* '''Cast''' has a more uniform size and will produce a better raster effect.
* '''Extruded''' works well for cutting; thickness can vary a bit across the sheet.
* '''Cast''' has a paper protection on both sides that can be removed after lasering.
* '''Extruded''' comes with a PVC plastic protection layer on both sides that needs to be removed before lasering. Commonly comes in 3mm, 6mm, and thicker.

''Note: be sure to clarify if plastics are laserable if you intend to laser cut them at Maker Nexus!''

===[https://www.calsakplastics.com Calsak Plastics]===
* Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, etc.

===[http://www.delviesplastics.com Delvie's Plastics]===
* Online store
* Source for Cast Acrylic sheets, 1/16" thick to 2" thick. They also carry badge pins and clips.
* Delvie's Plastics is a full line distributor of Rowmark Engraving Materials

===[https://houstonacrylic.com/ Houston Acrylic]===
* Specializes in laserable materials

===[https://www.piedmontplastics.com Piedmont Plastics]===
* San Francisco, etc.
* 33340 Central Avenue, Union City CA 94587
* 510-746-2200
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

===[https://www.professionalplastics.com Professional Plastics]===
* 2175 Kruse Dr., San Jose, CA 95131-1214
* 408-434-9410, 800-523-2807
* Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM

===[https://portplastics.com Port Plastics]===
* 550 E. Trimble Road #A, San Jose, CA 95131
* 408-571-2231
* Mon-Fri: 7AM-4PM

===[https://www.tapplastics.com TAP Plastics]===
* Fremont, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Francisco, etc.
* A large selection of acrylic plastic, both cast and extruded.
* Usually have a bin of remainder odd size pieces for a few bucks each. They also sell a lot of other plastic products that are not laser safe.
* Ask them before buying something besides acrylic.
* San Jose store:
** 1212 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
** 408-292-8685
** Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
** Sat: 9AM-5PM

===[https://www.usplastic.com U.S. Plastic]===
* Good source of sheet plastic. They ship it rolled up in a tube. I cut the roll on the power shear at TechShop.
* Sytrene0.030 40x72 $10 + $10 shipping
* PET-G (Vivak)0.040 24x48 $18 + $10 shipping
* 800-537-9724

== Wood & Veneers ==

===[https://www.brucebauer.com Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply]===
* 134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
* Good choice for sheet goods. Limited selection of hardwoods, so not the best option for those materials.
* They keep a box of cutoffs near the back loading dock that you can take. I believe they are free.
* Shop staff are friendly and willing to consult with you on your project.
* They will cut boards down for you (so long as the remainder of the board is sufficiently long)
* Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-4:30PM

===[https://exoticwoodzone.com/ Exotic Wood Zone]===
* Online
* Interesting woods such as guitar wood

===[https://www.globalwoodsource.com Global Wood Source]===
* 180 East Sunnyoaks Ave Building #3, Campbell, CA 95008
* Very friendly staff, accommodating and willing to help you find what you need.
* Good selection of turning materials upstairs.
* Carry products targeted at luthiers, such as matched guitar body tonewoods and guitar necks.
* Usually have interesting selections of slabs and other unusual or hard to find items.
* More expensive than other options for standard woodworking timber. Selection options vary depending on what they have in stock this week.
* They carry a selection of General Finishes products.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://hardwoods-inc.com/hardwoods-san-jose/ Hardwoods San Jose (aka Aura Hardwoods)]===
* San Jose and online
* 620 Quinn Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112
* They do not cater to the hobbyist demographic. You'll get limited and sometimes curt help while at the warehouse.
* Their prices will almost always be better than other local options.
* Carries a full line of wood sheet goods, including Baltic Birch plywood, as well as a selection of domestic hardwoods. Exotics may be available as well.
* If you take your Maker Nexus badge, and let them know that you are a member of MN, you will be able to use our pricing level.
* They are cool with you breaking down lumber in their parking lot and their carts make an OK workbench
* They also deliver orders over $350, so larger orders can potentially be delivered directly to MN.
* Coordinate with MN staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

===[https://makernexuswiki.com/index.php?title=Supply_Sources&action=edit The Home Depot]===
* Sunnyvale and many locations
* Precut 24x18 panels of several plywoods. Many have a nice finish on at least one side. If you want cheap stuff, look for "door skins" - thin plywood sanded on one side.
* The Sunnyvale location has great Endesa sanded plywood (Sandeply) and has been reliably flat
* Mon-Sat 6AM-10PM
* Sun 7AM-8PM

===[https://www.macbeath.com Macbeath Hardwood]===
* 930 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
* Sat 9AM-3PM

===[https://mayanhardwood.com Mayan Hardwood]===
* Oxnard, Paso Robles.

===[https://moorenewton.com Moore Newton]===
* 2115 Williams St, San Leandro, CA 94577
* Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
* They will do some cutting of lumber for you, but you can also cut it yourself in the parking lot
* They will do delivery to MN for orders >$750. We often organize group purchases to meet this threshold.
* The amount of lumber available is astonishing. You will have dozens of boards to choose from in a variety of widths, thicknesses, lengths, and finishes (S2S, S4S). All major domestic hardwoods are available as well as a good selection of exotics in sizes you don't often see.
* For such a large, high-volume warehouse, they are surprisingly helpful to the hobbyist buyer.
* Carry the full line of Rubio products in all the tones you might want.
* Coordinate with staff in advance to use this option or delivery will be refused. We have struggled with delivery coordination in the past, with trucks arriving early or unannounced. If you're getting a delivery to MN, set your expectations and make plans accordingly.

===[https://ocoochhardwoods.com Ocooch Hardwoods]===
* Online
* Viola, WI

===[https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/san-carlos Woodcraft]===
* 40 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
* Has a large selection of great woods. Some plywood panels, pre-cut
* Surprisingly competitive pricing on lumber. Not the cheapest, but not bad.
* A very wide selection of finishes, adhesives, epoxies, etc.
* Carries their Wood River brand of tools, as well as a wide selection of other woodworking tools.
* Good place to get Festool consumables (e.g. dominoes or sandpaper that fits the MN sanders).
* Great place for router and CNC bits with a comprehensive selection of Whiteside and Freud bits.
* This is a toy store for woodworkers.
* Friendly and helpful staff.
* Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
* Sat 9AM-5PM
* Sun 11AM-4PM

== Wood CNC and Tools ==

===[https://www.freudtools.com Freud]===
* End mills and other bits
* Lots of [https://www.freudtools.com/explore/router-cnc/joinery joinery bits]

===[https://www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group (ipg)]===
* Good non-marking release double stick tape (double-sided tape) for CNC work holding, especially [https://www.itape.com/product/591/ IPG 591] double-coated flatback tape

===[https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com Whiteside Machine Company]===
* End mills and other bits for CNC and routers

== Wood Services ==

=== Sharpening and Honing ===

Sharpening and honing for chisels, saw blades, and more.

* [https://acmesawshop.com/ Acme Saw Shop]

== Metal Structure ==

=== Aluminum Extrusion ===

====[https://us.misumi-ec.com/ Misumi]====
* These folks specialize in parts that can be configured at the time of order. I found them referred to from some web sites as a low cost source of accurately cut aluminum frame parts - 2020, 2040, 4080, 2525, etc - just about any size member that is made. You can order cut to length, but also with holes at locations you define and stuff like that. You can also buy stuff like a plate with four holes. You specify all the specs of size of plate, location of holes, size of holes, etc. It's like they've made a bunch of parametric designs and provided a web-interface that lets your specify the parameters and them to set a cost. Cool, cool, cool. These guys are also the referenced "best quality" linear guide rails. But pricing is about 5X a part you can buy from China.

=== Bearings ===
A specification for "all possible bearings" is the [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1Tjw7rG10pfDGDbMKdjtABqIrwmNcHksO NTN Bearing Corporation catalog] available on our member share drive.

* This [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NZ5PPHH Amazon seller] has a lot of smaller bearings.
* There are also Amazon sellers with multiple regular bearing sizes.

=== Aluminum Posts ===
[https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Aluminum-12-13mm-Seamless-Straight/dp/B07YKWJJGD Amazon seller] with a drop down for lots of sizes.

== All Metals ==

===[https://industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply (IMS)]===
* 569 Charcot Ave. San Jose, CA 95131
* Formerly Campbell Metal
* Full-range metal supplier. Large selection of aluminum plate/bar remnants in their “rem center” (~$3.50/lb, $35 minimum).

===[https://www.ondrivesus.com Ondrives]===
* Online
* Rods, fasteners, and other tools like clutches and couplings

===[https://www.simsmm.com/locations/san-jose-california/ Sims Metal San Jose]===
* 1800 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112
* Scrap metal buyer and reseller.
* Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM
* Sat 8AM-12PM

===[https://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-steel-and-supply-redwood-city Alan Steel Redwood City]===
* 505 E Bayshore Rd Redwood City, CA 94063
* Primarily a scrap/salvage yard, with a large selection of steel of all kinds and smaller selection of other materials.
* Prices can be arbitrary, but the selection is unbeatable.
* Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM

===[https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/san-jose/ Metal Supermarkets]===
* 2413 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
* A franchise.
* Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
* Sat 8AM-1PM

===[https://coastaluminum.com/ Coast Aluminum, Inc.]===
* Hayward, Fresno, etc.
* 30551 Huntwood Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

== Metal Parts Cut to Order ==

===[http://fabworks.com Fabworks]===
* On-demand sheet metal services.
* Laser Cutting, Bending, Hardware, Countersinking, Tapping, and Powder Coating for Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless sheet metal.
* Upload a .STEP file (e.g. output from OnShape or Fusion 360), and get instant quotes (with excellent prices). Turnaround time is quick, and there's free shipping too.

===[http://SendCutSend.com Send Cut Send]===
* You upload a DXF file, pick the material and get an instant quote.
They cut it and send it with free shipping. Laser cut metal, plastics, and composites.

===[https://www.xometry.com/ Xometry]===

== Paper and Cardboard ==

===[https://kellyspicers.com Kelly Spicers (was Kelly Paper)]===
* San Jose
* Wide selection of paper stock, corrugated cardboard, paperboard
* Also foam, cardboard sheets and boxes, packing materials
* Works well on our laser cutters, hot wire cutter
* Thick linen paper is really nice to cut
* Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM

== 3D printer filament ==

===[https://www.esun3d.com/ eSun]===

Available directly from them and on Amazon. PLA+ and PETG+ have been very reliable. Packaging is good.

===[https://www.matterhackers.com/ MatterHackers]===

===[https://www.prusa3d.com/category/prusament/ Prusament]===

PLA, PTEG are reliable

===[https://www.printedsolid.com/collections/filament Printed Solid]===

Sells Prusament and Jessie

== Electronics Parts ==

===LED strips===
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=meijiajia+led+neon+strip+lights&crid=12E4VSKLOUF2Y&sprefix=meijiajia%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9 Neon LED strips], like the one used in our "[https://app.amilia.com/store/en/makernexus/shop/activities/5776275 Make an LED Neon Sign]" class
* [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cuttable+12V+LED+strip&crid=36ISWSZ4II4AD&sprefix=cuttable+12v+led+stri%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cuttable 12V LED strip lighting]

== Fittings ==
Hinges, locks, pen parts, etc

===[https://www.brusso.com/hinges/ Brusso]===

===[https://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr]===
The world of all the fasteners you didn't know you needed including:
* Machine screws, including metric screws
* Thumb screws
* Metal rods
* Springs, pins, and anchors
* Magnets
* Pipe adapters
* Tools

== Sewing, Quilting, Textiles ==

===[https://allstitch.com/ AllStitch]===

===[https://rnk-floriani.com/ Floriani]===

===[https://redrockthreads.com/ Red Rock Threads]===

===[https://mobile.sewmanyparts.com/ Sew Many Parts]===
* Good Madeira thread

== Embroidery Designs==

===[https://emblibrary.com/# Embroidery Library]===

===[https://urbanthreads.com/index.php# Urban Threads]===

===[https://www.wawak.com/ WAWAK]===

== Interesting Bits ==
Things that you might not know you need.

* LED sign standoffs can be used to illuminate etched acrylic. [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CMMZF3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePHjEbAFYJVB5 On Amazon]

* Tamper Resistant nuts and bolts. What a wild assortment of clever ideas. Some are similar to security by obscurity - special tools needed.
[https://www.mcmaster.com/products/fasteners/?s=tamper+resistant+fasteners on McMaster Carr]

===[https://www.grimco.com/Catalog/Category/Substrates Grimco substrates]===
* Various materials like aluminum, magnetic, and sign blanks
* Including [https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-intermediate-cal Oracal vinyl]

===[https://signwarehouse.com/ Sign Warehouse]===
* including [https://signwarehouse.com/collections/3m-printable-vinyl-wraps-and-supplies 3M printable vinyl]

== Search Keywords ==
Metal Stores