I nearly forgot i'm going to need some metal to turn into swarf.
I've found a few places local but by the looks of it its sold in 3 meter lengths.
I'm going to send them an email anyway to see if they have any off cuts, i doubt it but its worth a try.
Should i start with the soft stuff?
Brass .
Delrin.
Aluminium.
What diameters would be handy?
Do you know what you want to make with it?
If you're talking metal merchants they usually have skips / odments boxes, have a trip around with some cash in your pocket and see if they want a donation to the tea fund for some remnants.
Alternatively if you have a non-ferrous scrap metal merchant (aluminium and stainless basically) ask if they sell and if you can have a look around their yard. Bit hit and miss as to the grade but good source if you just want to make some swarf.