UK DIY Product Sources List

[rshuck]

Hello everyone.

I am not sure who else has found difficulty in locating certain products needed for DIY projects, so this thread is meant as a list of common sources and possibly even a Q&A for where to find specific products.

I'll start off with one of the basics: Homebase

Metals:
Homebase stocks small amounts of aluminum, stainless steel, and sometimes even copper sheeting. They also carry perforated aluminum sheets in several designs.

Plastics:
I have been able to find relatively large sheets of perspex at Homebase, but never the black smoked type or any colored types. I have also been unable to find ABS plastics here.

Wood:
They also, generally in the same location in store as the metals and plastics, carry sheet wood products. They sell thin (3mm or so) MDF in small and large panels, all the way up to 25mm if my memory serves me correctly. As far as plywood, they sometimes have "Outdoor" plywood which I assume is treated in some manner. It is generally free of branding, but you may want to check both sides of the panels before you take my word on that.



This analysis is based on stores in the Home Counties; namely the Milton Keynes store, the new store in Towcester, the store in Banbury, and the store in Bicester. I am sure there are a few more around, but I haven't ventured much north of Towcester in search of DIY products as of yet.



That being stated, does anyone know where I can find 4' x 2' sheets of black/smoked perspex (or other brand name product, so long as it's transparent still)?

[Leny]

Electronics:

RS Components
Farnell
CPC
Rapid
Cricklewood
Maplin
I think Mouser and Digi-Key supply to the UK now

Expensive (but fast delivery) bespoke professional enclosures: Protocase Incorporated - Custom Electronic Enclosures for Engineers and Designers