Free Cutting Mild Steel Flat

[Thomas Gregory 1Participant @thomasgregory1]

I need some 2"1/2 x 1/2 flat mild steel which I need to bore a hole and put a radius on the flat corners (if that makes sense) using the lathe. I see lots of EN3B about but is there anything else that may be suitable?

M-Machine sell EN8 and EN32B but searching looks like there's a lot of issues machining these?

Many Thanks
Tom

Edited By Thomas Gregory 1 on 10/12/2021 12:55:47

[Thomas Gregory 1Participant @thomasgregory1]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

EN3B is not a problem to machine and should cut easily and give a good finish, I use it a lot on my fabricated engines.

[Thomas Gregory 1Participant @thomasgregory1]

Just what I wanted to hear, thanks.

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

While vaguely relating to this thread, has anyone come across a "succinct" comparison chart of commonly used steels in model engineering with EN numbers, properties, machinability, etc, and cross reference to current specification numbers.

[Thor 🇳🇴Participant @thor]

Posted by Bo'sun on 10/12/2021 14:46:08:

While vaguely relating to this thread, has anyone come across a "succinct" comparison chart of commonly used steels in model engineering with EN numbers, properties, machinability, etc, and cross reference to current specification numbers.

Something like these maybe?

***Link***

***Link*** (uses old EN numbers, analysis and use)

***Link*** (compares various standards)

***Link*** (machinability)

 

Thor

 

Edited By Thor 🇳🇴 on 10/12/2021 16:21:26

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Thank you Thor,

That's just the sort of thing I had in mind. Just need to get my head around the "% machinability index".

[VicParticipant @vic]

Is there a machinability index for common stainless steels? Good links by the way Thor.

[Thor 🇳🇴Participant @thor]

Posted by Vic on 10/12/2021 17:49:13:

Is there a machinability index for common stainless steels? Good links by the way Thor.

A few links, I have only tried the austenitic stainless steels and 303 is easier to machine than 316:

***Link***

***Link***

Thor

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