Shims, 123 blocks, etc

[Yamhon]

Hi all

I'm interested in either shims, chocks or those 123 blocks which seem popular over in YouTube land... I'm sure scraps of ply might suffice, but we store and use quite a lot of mixed fire wood for the size of the property and that coupled with a dog who loves to hunt out interesting bits of wood to chomp to bits means any off cut of wood not big enough to store in the rafters is liable to get eaten, burned or lost.

Does anyone know where I could purchase something, or even better maybe make something out of some small pieces of metal stock? What metal would be best suited, something other than mild steel to help draw heat out of components? Any suggestions on a variety of sizes to have on hand?

I've not fitted up anything on my fab table yet; just used it as a rest for sawing, grinding, etc thus far; but it is far from level so I expect to require something to help me level frames and components up on that, and I'm keen to have things on hand for when I'm doing little jobs that just need a little bit of propping up to keep square or in place, etc.

Ideas, suggestions and advice appreciated, thanks.

 

[Hopefuldave]

Aluminium and copper are much better heat conductors than steel, I have a few lengths of ally angle and bar (quite hefty, 6 - 12 mm thick and 50mm legs angle, 20mm thick by 100mm bar) that I use as backing bars that I can clamp to and carry the heat away. It's pretty much all scrounged or rescued from skips so hasn't cost me, luckily!

Dave H. (the other one)

 

[Yamhon]

Aluminium and copper are much better heat conductors than steel, I have a few lengths of ally angle and bar (quite hefty, 6 - 12 mm thick and 50mm legs angle, 20mm thick by 100mm bar) that I use as backing bars that I can clamp to and carry the heat away. It's pretty much all scrounged or rescued from skips so hasn't cost me, luckily!

Dave H. (the other one)

Angle is not something I thought of, assumed I'd need alloy blocks or something, but angle will probably work out much cheaper, probably only need small sections so will have a look on Ebay for any bargains on small bits and pieces.