Cheap little things for science, crafts, projects, tools....

[politicat]

American Science and Surplus is a dangerous place for geeks, but a good place for cheap things. They probably have it, whatever it happens to be. And if they don't, wait a few weeks. Their stock changes continuously because they are a surplus shop.

I've gotten padding and the felt for furniture from them for a buck a packet (versus $6 at the hardware store), velcro for $2 a roll (instead of 4.50), foam inserts for padding computers, lenses for science projects, beakers for the kitchen.... They always have something a little weird and wonderful. Best thing I've gotten from them - a pen set that included a fountain pen and ink converter, as well as roller balls, a mechanical pencil, some ballpoints, one of those 3 color ballpoints, etc for a whole $5. The fountain pen converter alone goes for $5 in most pen shops. (And since I have to use fountain pens pretty much exclusively - very bad hands - I'm always on the lookout for cheap-os I can afford to lose.)

Ribbons, paper, motors, lightbulbs, etc....

www.sciplus.com

[bluedonkey]

1. Great info

thanks so much for sharing.I love the pens!

[NMDemDist2]

2. bookmarked and thanks n/t

[progressoid]

3. Cool!!

[CountAllVotes]

4. art supplies - like paints?

Would they be good for this? I have a cement statue I want to paint for the outdoors. I need to prime it first I was told and then paint with outdoor latex paint.

I asked about where to go for the paint. I do not need much as the statue is maybe 18" high and about 10" in diameter.

Was advised that the paints from an art store would be very expensive.

I need about 4 or 5 colors only - not a whole kit or anything.

Thanks!

[politicat]

5. Sometimes they have paint....

Depends. Worth checking, though.

What I'd suggest, however, is going to the hardware stores that have paint sections in your area and looking on the mistint racks. We have a ton of latex that we've bought this way.

Then you can mix it with cheap acrylics from Michaels (99 cents a tube) to get the right colors.

Of course, if you're in Colorado, you're more than welcome to come raid my collections.

[CountAllVotes]

6. where is Michaels?

Please let me know as I've never heard of it. Thank you! Also, btw, do you know of paints for resin statues? I'm not certain if the primer + the outdoor latex paints would be a good idea on resin (if you happen to know, please advise). Many thanks and PEACE. :D

:dem:

[politicat]

7. Michael's is a national arts and crafts chain.

Here's their store locator. http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?template=search&client=michaels

They usually have decent prices on basics like paint and such, but definitely check their bargain bins and clearance aisles.

Resin statue should probably be painted with acrylics (And craft acrylics are not expensive.). You can primer it with exterior latex, but I'd paint a hidden area first, let it dry 24 hours, and make sure it doesn't bubble or peel.

Other than that, the only other thing I can say is oils are not likely to work; they won't dry.

[CountAllVotes]

8. thanks so much!

What a total shock! There is actually one about 15 miles from where I live. THANK YOU! :D

I appreciate the advice on painting the resin. I can test on the bottom of this one. I've got a whole project going here needless to say - painting cement and resin statues for the yard (the ones I had were stolen by some kids in the neighborhood recently :( ).