Material Question?

[Kroll]

Good morning guys,its been awhile since my last visit due to just everyday life.Anyway guys have couple little projects that working on and the first one is making myself a handle/key for my 8" chuck.I did look on the auction site and they sell them for about 35.00 or so but I was kinda wanting to make one or kinda rig one.Thinking about just taking a 1/2 drive extension then drill a hold for sliding handle.But what kind of material for the sliding handle?My other project is I am making a mobile base for my PM 87 bandsaw which I have installed some threaded bolts to help level the base but I need to drill holes for sliding handles,you know kinda like C-clamps but what kind of material that's will be little stronger than just plain old mild steel?Thanks for some guidance on this----kroll

 

[Dave Paine]

I have several diameters of O1 drill rod for such purposes. It is strong, consistent dimensions, and machines well. It can also be hardened if needed. I get this from MSC, but available at many places, Grainger, McMaster-Carr, Online Metals, Speed Metals, etc.

 

[Karl_T]

Yep, a stock of O1 is good to have. But lots of metals would do the job; most any tool steel. Myself, I'd use use mystery metal. that is, what is laying in the scrap box.

 

[Bob Korves]

Yep, a stock of O1 is good to have. But lots of metals would do the job; most any tool steel. Myself, I'd use use mystery metal. that is, what is laying in the scrap box.

I like using up any mystery metal as well. If there is welding involved then I stay away from mystery metal with tool steels, structural steels not so much...

 

[4GSR]

Good old 1018 CRS from the local hardware store works fine too.

 

[Wreck™Wreck]

4140 pre hardened rounds work well, may be bought stock at 35 Rc which turns nicely.