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Stumbled across this today and was blown away at the level of organization, information, and detail presented. They provide specific examples of common uses fo

Stumbled across this today and was blown away at the level of organization, information, and detail presented. They provide specific examples of common uses for components, as well as material information like what alloy is used, what's in the alloy and what it's properties are. It was an absolute joy to explore.

brodouevencode 6y ago
But the average person can't shop here.
- iseanstevens 6y ago
  Anyone can shop there they just won’t send you a printed catalog unless you spend a ton of money.
  - joezydeco 6y ago
    Which makes sense because the catalog weighs 20 pounds.
    - flubert 6y ago
      You made me curious enough to walk downstairs and weigh it. I've got "Catalog 126" (copyright 2020), and it weighs in at 7.92 pounds, and is 4168 pages long.
      - joezydeco 6y ago
        Hah! Thanks for doing that. I was off by a bit...but not that much.
- flubert 6y ago
  What do you mean by that? Their prices are higher than most, but anyone can purchase from them.
  - Rebelgecko 6y ago
    IIRC they don't even tell you the total price until after your order is shipped, which may be a deal breaker for some people
    - skuhn 6y ago
      The McMaster site doesn't show shipping costs, because they package your items and then get the dimensions and weight. They only ship things very fast, and they charge you what that costs. They are optimizing for fast and correct, not cheap. If you're concerned, you can call or e-mail them to ask for an estimate. It's worth noting that free shipping is never free -- it's either hidden in the item cost, or some corner is being cut.
  - brodouevencode 6y ago
    I was told by someone that works there that you have to have a business license to make POs. I didn't push it beyond that and have never tried it myself, so who knows.
- mturmon 6y ago
  No, it’s actually quite good for the occasional purchase by ordinary folks. Pricey, but the selection is amazing.

brodouevencode 6y ago

But the average person can't shop here.

iseanstevens 6y ago
Anyone can shop there they just won’t send you a printed catalog unless you spend a ton of money.
- joezydeco 6y ago
  Which makes sense because the catalog weighs 20 pounds.
  - flubert 6y ago
    You made me curious enough to walk downstairs and weigh it. I've got "Catalog 126" (copyright 2020), and it weighs in at 7.92 pounds, and is 4168 pages long.
    - joezydeco 6y ago
      Hah! Thanks for doing that. I was off by a bit...but not that much.
flubert 6y ago
What do you mean by that? Their prices are higher than most, but anyone can purchase from them.
- Rebelgecko 6y ago
  IIRC they don't even tell you the total price until after your order is shipped, which may be a deal breaker for some people
  - skuhn 6y ago
    The McMaster site doesn't show shipping costs, because they package your items and then get the dimensions and weight. They only ship things very fast, and they charge you what that costs. They are optimizing for fast and correct, not cheap. If you're concerned, you can call or e-mail them to ask for an estimate. It's worth noting that free shipping is never free -- it's either hidden in the item cost, or some corner is being cut.
- brodouevencode 6y ago
  I was told by someone that works there that you have to have a business license to make POs. I didn't push it beyond that and have never tried it myself, so who knows.
mturmon 6y ago
No, it’s actually quite good for the occasional purchase by ordinary folks. Pricey, but the selection is amazing.