Where To Buy Cast Iron?

[Dan_S]

I need to make a back plate for a 4" chuck, and i'd like to make it myself out of some Dura-Bar G2, or 65-45-12, but i can't find any place that sells it.

Anyone know where i can by Dura-Bar round stock by the inch?

 

[CluelessNewB]

Not sure if this would be good enough but Speedy Metals sells class 40 grey cast iron bar by the inch:

https://www.speedymetals.com/c-8388-round.aspx

 

[Franko]

I've seen some back plates turned from weight lifting plates.

 

[T Bredehoft]

I was pleased with the gray iron discs I got from Speedy Metals. I used one for 4 inch chuck mounting, others for fixture plates on arbor presses.

 

[John Hasler]

Not sure if this would be good enough but Speedy Metals sells class 40 grey cast iron bar by the inch:

https://www.speedymetals.com/c-8388-round.aspx

Dura-Bar is a brand name. Looking at the composition the only difference is that the Speedy product has a bit less manganese. The tensile strength and hardness match. I bought some from them last year and was pleased with the quality and service. If you are in the upper Midwest be sure and ask about shipping via Speed-Dee Delivery Service. Much cheaper and faster than UPS.

 

[Dan_S]

John Is correct Dura-Bar G2 falls into the same grouping as class 40. If memory serves, the extra manganese increases machinability & yield strength. 65-45-12 has an even higher machinability rating, but sacrifices some hardness.

The class 40 form speedy metals is my fallback if I can't find any Dura-Bar.

I briefly thought about the weight plates, but form everything i've read it seems to be a crap shoot. Some people get good iron, and others get complete crap with all kinds of inclusions.

 

[Cobra]

don't know if it meets your specs or price point, but you can certainly get short cast iron rods from McMaster Carr.

 

[Dan_S]

don't know if it meets your specs or price point, but you can certainly get short cast iron rods from McMaster Carr.

That's actually the first place I looked. It's the right spec, but I either have to buy a 12" length ($100) of 4-1/2" when all I really need is 1-1/2" at most. They sell thin discs as well, but the smallest diameter they carry is 8", so I would spend forever turning it down to roughly 4"

 

[Rob]

Here is another option.

http://www.wttool.com/index/page/category/category_id/16516/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=SiteChampion

 

[GarageGuy]

Speedy Metals is my go-to place when I only need a few inches of big diameter round stock. Wish you were closer. I have a piece of cast iron left over from a project.

GG