Where can I get cheap aluminium mesh?

[beefcake]

I'm wanting to get some aluminium mesh to make some chain-link fences. Where can I get some that is cheap (not USA sorry, shipping is too much) or is there another sturdy alternative for making chain-link fences?

Cheers

Beefy

[rebelyell2006]

Miniature fencing, or full-scale fencing?

[beefcake]

28mm scale. The type you would have around an industrial area.

[rebelyell2006]

Would plastic meshing used for fruit and produce bags work?  Uline is based out of Wisconsin, but they can work with UPS to ship internationally.  They sell retail and warehouse products to corporations and individuals, and their prices per unit are great but you have to buy bulk, as in you'd have to buy enough mesh to fence off dozens of 6x4 boards.

They've been on my mind the past few days because I will be getting some NIOSH P-100 filters, a 3M 7500 respirator, and a few labcoats from them on Tuesday.  The same half-face respirator will cost $50 at the local hardware store, but I ordered mine at $33.  I mentioned it in the workbench board, but they have really cheap foam board.

[beefcake]

Too flimsy I think, hadn't thought of that though. Maybe a fallback.

[rebelyell2006]

Off the top of my head, I cannot think of any alternative unless you hit up the model railroad/hobby shops and get expensive photo-etched metal.  Or go to the nearest hardware/DIY store for window mesh.  Do you have equivalents to the Habitat For Humanity Home Stores, where people donate hardware/DIY surplus supplies like windows and old sinks and doors?  They might have used window screens that can be cannibalized for fencing.  I imagine the plastic mesh can be reinforced with spray primer or gesso.

[von Lucky]

Or go to the nearest hardware/DIY store for window mesh.

This was going to be my suggestion. Bunnings or another hardware store in NZ should have something to suit:
http://www.bunnings.com.au/cowdroy-barrier-door-stainless-steel-mesh-upgrade_p2029998

Not this actual product, but something like it you can buy by the metre off a roll they have in the garden/door section (i.e you probably only need 50cm of it). Walk in and have a look around.

[OSHIROmodels]

Halfords used to do some fine aluminium mesh used for car body repair. It was just under A4 size I think.

cheers

James

[The Dozing Dragon]

Halfords used to do some fine aluminium mesh used for car body repair. It was just under A4 size I think.

cheers

James

That's where I got mine.

[Rich H]

ebay.
Expanded aluminium mesh I got a huge roll a few years back for buttons. 
Can't find any similar.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Davids-ISOPON-Aluminium-Mesh-25-x-20cm-Car-Body-Repair-Reinforcing-Filler-/321593119145?hash=item4ae07191a9:g:FAwAAOSwx-9WxJ7G

[has.been]

I used some guttering guard mesh from poundland. It comes in a roll, but when you cut it into sections for 28mm fencing the curve is not a problem. Some upright support poles & wire threaded through (I did that for top & middle) and there you are. I did about six foot of fencing for a friend, gave several more feet away to other friends and still have plenty left for me. By the way it is black plastic, so takes a drybrush quite well. As the friend wanted a 'battered' look, I then gave it a rust was (Inks)

[Silent Invader]

I get the ally car repair mesh from my local 'neighbourhood' hardware store (the sort of place you can buy nails/screws by weight), where it sits with the car filler and paints.

[beefcake]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll check out my local hardware store and see what they have.

[Daeothar]

I got the aluminium mesh I use for metal grating on my bases and terrain by buying cheap splatter screens (sorry; if there is a proper English word for this, I'm not aware of it ) for use on top of pans. They go for as little as € 1,- a piece and they're round, with a sheet pressed metal rim around it with a handle attached. Diameter is about 30cm or so.

The material is exactly that used for car repair I believe. So if your hardware store doesn't carry it, try checking out the cooking utensil isles

A couple of years ago I bought about 4 or 5 of them and they'll last me for some years to come.

However; these are true metal mesh with actual texture to it and a bit too heavy/thick for use as a chainlink fence.

Many years ago, I used simple (metal) bug screen mesh for fences. Simply cut diagonal (at 45 degrees) strips from the material and attach; at the scale, it looks just like the real thing. besides; you can't get much cheaper than that...

[Rich H]

My fencing: