Portland has many excellent hardware stores. I'm partial to the smaller neighborhood stores because these often have a large assortment of fasteners that you can buy in small quantities.
Here is a list of hardware stores close to the PSU campus.
- Winks Hardware, 200 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
- Pearl Hardware, 1621 NW Glisan St., Portland, Oregon 97209
- Hankins Hardware, 1720 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214-3723
- Ankeny Hardware, 1134 SE Stark St. Portland, OR 97214
In its own category is Hippo Hardware, 1040 East Burnside ~ Portland, OR 97214, that sells recycled household fixtures.
Lumber
Mr. Plywood sells thin plywood that is very useful for lightweight laser-cut structures.