Connecting Rod

[VCParticipant @vc44480]

Hi all

Some advice please

Want to try and use my home made CNC mill Mk I Steig

to make a connecting rod for a 3 1/2 loco

Would like to know what SS flat bar to buy Size 1/4 *1 *71/2

and were to buy it

Have looked on Flea Bay 316 Marine grade will this be OK or to hard ???

Thank you

[VCParticipant @vc44480]

[John RuddParticipant @johnrudd16576]

Macc models stock stainless flat bar…..

https://maccmodels.co.uk/materials-metal/stainless-steel-sections/stainless-steel-flat-316.html

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

See if you can get some 303 as it's easier to machine.

Neil

[Philip PowellParticipant @philippowell34749]

I think you will find 316 or 316L much easier to machine. 316 cuts nicely but can be a bit stickey when tapping. 316 will also give a lovely finish especially if you use coolant.

Phil.

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Posted by Philip Powell on 15/10/2018 21:53:13:

I think you will find 316 or 316L much easier to machine. 316 cuts nicely but can be a bit stickey when tapping. 316 will also give a lovely finish especially if you use coolant.

Phil.

Easier that what?

In my experience 316 is much easier than Titanium

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Neil is right. Use 303 SS, it machines beautifully, even easier to work than leaded steel. Its a bit harder to get the deep polished lustre as is possible on 316 but thats probably not applicable to a con rod.

Ian P

[VCParticipant @vc44480]

Thanks very much for the reply's

Looks like 303 is the way to go but nobodies is saying where to get it from

Mac has 316 so if I can't get the 303 will give that a try

Cheers

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Odd that nobody has told you where to buy 303 SS from, its not a state secret or anything.

Where you get it depends on your own preferences and location etc. My first port of call would be Noggin End followed by M-Machine but there are probably about 8 or 10 suppliers serving the model making fraternity.

Ian P

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Take look here:

http://www.model-engineer.co.uk/shopping/

Neil

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

303 is not that common in flat which the OP wants unless he likes making a lot of swarf, 316 flat is easy enough to get hold of

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