What Kind of Metal for My Project?

[Michael303]

I'm looking to get some feedback on what kind of steel I should choose for a couple of small mill projects I have chosen for an upcoming machine shop class. I was looking at 1018 steel and O1 tool steel but I'm open to suggestions. These are both gauges for measuring 1911 slides and frames. Please see the attached pics. Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[Toolmaker51]

41 series, oil-hard, or water-hard all good choices. If you have a chunk of A, that's good too. My first choice is nearly always going to be oil or water, they both have terrific qualities start to finish, especially if you intend surface grinding.
[edit in] Without knowing your setup, there is one avenue not mentioned, better mild [still low carbon] steels and casehardening. They'd be plenty satisfactory for your gauges.

 

[T Bredehoft]

4140 or similar numbers, in annealed condition. It's a good tough steel, Rockwell C 28 to 32, machinable with High Speed steel tooling, yet won't wear in normal service. Doesn't need to be hardened to use.

 

[Michael303]

Thanks for the replies. I found some 41xx on eBay. How does it machine?

 

[T Bredehoft]

Figure a surface feed of 40 to 60 IPM for High Speed Tools. Can't go wrong.

 

[MrWhoopee]

4140 or similar numbers, in annealed condition. It's a good tough steel, Rockwell C 28 to 32,

Rc 28-32 is the hardness for 4140QT (pre-hardened). Annealed is softer, down around Rc 20.

 

[Toolmaker51]

The state many grades of tool steel are found have to be advertised and read correctly. Just as shown above, in quantity, they can be supplied according to order. It all depends on what processing is to follow. For example, grinding is better when done at higher Rockwell. All kinds of gauges, tooling and products never see a cutter.
Final hardening applies to intended use and life cycle, the separation of something like 'not required' 'recommended' and 'critical'.

 

[Janderso]

Rc 28-32 is the hardness for 4140QT (pre-hardened). Annealed is softer, down around Rc 20.

Mr. Whoopee is right in my opinion. It's basically chrome moly.
Benmychree suggested I use this stuff. It machines nice and you don't have to harden it when you are done.
This is the stuff. The pre hardened ground stock is beautiful. Pricey though

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[Michael303]

Mr. Whoopee is right in my opinion. It's basically chrome moly.
Benmychree suggested I use this stuff. It machines nice and you don't have to harden it when you are done.
This is the stuff. The pre hardened ground stock is beautiful. Pricey though

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Thanks for the link. That's actually a little cheaper than some of the stuff I was looking at.

I noticed McMaster has it available in annealed and hardened. Just to confirm, which would be preferable?

 

[MrWhoopee]

Thanks for the link. That's actually a little cheaper than some of the stuff I was looking at.

I noticed McMaster has it available in annealed and hardened. Just to confirm, which would be preferable?

Since this is for gauges, go with the hardened.