I wanted to mount a QD seat swivel mount in the Soloskiff, and I needed a 10" square aluminum backing plate. I called Conroe Mill Supply, where I purchased the materials to fabricate my kayak racks and to modify my kayak trailer. I had to buy everything in full 20' stalks when I got the 1" and the 2" square tubing; not a problem, I can always use the leftovers for other projects. They told me that I would have to buy a 4' X 8' sheet of 1/8" aluminum. I didn't really want to pay $200 for a backing plate, and they gave me the phone number to Metal Supermarket in Houston. I called them and they told me that they would cut me a 10" square 1/8" aluminum plate for about $20.
I went down there today (Pinemont at Hempstead Rd.) And the salesman told me that for a piece that small, they may have a scrap cut which they sell by the pound. Sho'nuff, they had a 11" X 11" piece which set me back the princely sum of $4.87 with tax.
If you need a small amount of metal for a project, try these folks. They also do custom cutting, laser and water jet cutting/lettering/logoing, and who knows what else....... I don't get anything for recommending them; I'm just trying to help out anyone needing a small amount of metal for a project.
Metal Supermarkets
13240 Hempstead Hwy., # 214
Houston 77040
713/934-8508
