Ask HN: Exploratorium's machine shop – where to buy those parts?

Posted by beamatronic on Monday October 24, 2016 @03:23PM
from the ask-hn dept.

Where do science museums such as the San Francisco Exploratorium buy all those cool metal parts that they build the exhibits out of? All those metal rods and fittings, gears, etc.

( 4 comments | 2 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: Exploratorium's machine shop – where to buy those... by iseanstevens on Monday October 24, 2016 @03:46PM (#12782160)

Mcmaster Carr will have all of the mechanical/drive parts but generally is quite expensive. Small parts (part of Amazon), De Anna flea market, Misumi which is the same idea as aluminum 8020 also has lots of industrial automation pieces.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Exploratorium's machine shop – where to buy those... by iseanstevens on Monday October 24, 2016 @03:47PM (#12782183)

Also http://sdp-si.com

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Re:Ask HN: Exploratorium's machine shop – where to buy those... by beamatronic on Monday October 24, 2016 @03:58PM (#12782290)

Thanks! Has there ever been a store where you could walk in and get your hands on these parts and see what you could come up with, or are they usually mail order?

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Re:Ask HN: Exploratorium's machine shop – where to buy those... by Tmp_login on Monday October 24, 2016 @03:45PM (#12782155)

Boston Gear

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