Gene, I use 4140 or 41L40 for parts that need a good finish or have some toughness. 1018 is softer so you get a poor finish with light cuts.
Here is a nice chart about different carbon steels, alloy steels and tool steels that we have on this side of the pond. http://www.mcmaster.com/#about-alloy-steel/=hxl3ij John On 6/10/2012 1:52 PM, gene heskett wrote: > Hi everybody; > > Basic beginners question: > > When I needed to make a new locking pin last week, I considered the > relatively poor finish I was able to achieve using TSC's cold rolled stock, > and walked 100 feet on by and picked up a grade 8 bolt big enough that I > could find that pin inside it if I carved it right. > > Imagine my surprise when that grade 8 bolt carved like butter, both with > carbide inserts and with HSS tool steel, leaving a mirror-like finish. For > a change I was proud of something I made. > > If I wanted to buy some stock steel that carved just as well, or perhaps > even better, what alloy should I be ordering from one of these online metal > peddlers? > > Thanks all. > > Cheers, Gene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Live Security Virtual Conference Exclusive live event will cover all the ways today's security and threat landscape has changed and how IT managers can respond. Discussions will include endpoint security, mobile security and the latest in malware threats. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfrnl04242012/114/50122263/ _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
