[Aussie Mike]

I buy most of my steel flat bar and such from Culpan new steel in Airport west. I've been dealing with them for about 14 years and they have always been helpful. I think they just changed their name of though.

For SS tube and bends I deal with Tubesales in Thomastown. Again a smaller company but helpful and good to deal with.

For aluminium bar stock, tube etc I go through Smart aluminium in Keilor/Tullamarine. Good to deal with and have most sizes in stock. Recently changed policy on minimum lengths though so you may have to buy a 1/2 length minimum now.

For Chrome Molly tube plate and barstock I deal with Airport metals in tullamarine. All aircraft grade stuff with a good range in stock and I've found their prices are better than British international traiding who are supposed to be the Chrome molly importers/specialists.

For all my fasteners, SS, nutserts etc I deal with the Metric Men in Keilor. I've been buying from them since they opened about 10 years ago and they know me and look after me on prices etc. Very helpful guys.

Finding a supplier you trust and building a relationship is well worth doing. You will get good advise and pricing and they will often take an interest in your project.

Cheers