It would help to know what the axle is for.

If it's for a static model you can use anything. I've even used dowel pins to save time on tiny jobs with no load.

Cheap Chinese stuff often uses roll pins which is an awful bodge.

Now for a proper job for perhaps a vehicle you'd want something like EN8 for a trolley and EN16B for anything man riding.

Phil, you don't say what size of engine you are building but since you've mentioned silver steel – I'll guess it might be a smaller one.

I build in 2.5" gauge and everything of mine has mild steel axles. Those parts that need to be an accurate size are turned in either a suitable collet or between centres – depends on whether it's a plain axle or not. You can get a good finish with a sharp tool and a little care.

Regards,

IanT

As Neil says the precision ground mild steel (PGMS) has the same surface finish as silver steel but is easier to machine and costs about half the price. I'm not a loco man but often use it for built up crankshafts on the hit & miss engines.

College eng or M-machine will pop a bit in teh post

J

Edited By JasonB on 30/03/2015 12:34:57

Hi

**LINK**  m-machine used to be included in the advert pane here >>>>

I ordered from them last time I needed stock and received very good service. No connection apart from a satisfied customer

Phil

Edited By CotswoldsPhil on 30/03/2015 18:46:39

I use old pneumatic cylinder rods. not sure what the material is, some one said that it was en8? Sure machines like it.