The Winston Materials Blog
Straight answers on alloys, certs and buying metal for a small shop.
Latest articles
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6061 vs 5052 Aluminum: Which One to Order
6061 machines and carries load. 5052 bends and survives salt water. How to choose between them for brackets, boxes, boats and trailers.
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How to Save on Small Metal Orders: Practical Tips
Small metal orders cost more per pound. Standard sizes, nesting, drops, combined orders and flexible specs bring the number down. Here is how.
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What Pipe to Use for a Fence in Texas: Post Sizes, Top Rail and Used vs New Pipe
Pipe for fence posts in Texas: 2-3/8 in OD Schedule 40 minimum per NRCS, post depth, spacing, braces, quarter-mile counts, top rail, and used oilfield pipe rules.
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When You Need a Mill Cert (and When You Don't)
What a mill test report proves, which jobs require one, and how to ask for certs so they actually match your material. Read before you order.