M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool

[Timberwolf]

The M2 you buy would likely be in the annealed condition, approx. 25Rc.
M2 tools are typically heat treated to 62Rc. This is only possible at a proper facility and not usually achievable at home due to the high temperatures required.
I've made point tools from O1 tool steel which is heat treatable at home using a torch.
Dave

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You can achieve extremely high temps in a charcoal BBQ using a hair drier as a blower...And I have used several fire bricks in a small tunnel configuration and a Mapp torch..as long as the steel being hardened does not have much mass...like a small rod...the fire bricks "give back" some of the heat..

[Timberwolf]

Hello, 

I'm looking for a good, reputable, and hopefully inexpensive source for 1/4" and 3/8" M2 tool rod.  The problem I'm having is that every time I use M2 the stupid search tools interpret this as 2 mm, even when I put hss, rod, blank, or any other combination I can think of.  Very frustrating.  

I can find it on mcmaster-carr, but the prices seem a bit excessive, possibly because they guarantee 0.00008" precision on the width.  

I also only want one or two pieces, so getting a container full from China doesn't sound like a good option.

Thanks,
Mark

.............
Amazon is your friend...........


Cyful 6x200mm High Speed Steel Round Turning Lathe Carbide Bars 5pcs
Cyful 6x200mm High Speed Steel Round Turning Lathe Carbide Bars 5pcs
4.8 out of 5 stars 7
$11.89$11.89
FREE Delivery Mon, Dec

[MarkSLSmith]

.............
Amazon is your friend...........


Cyful 6x200mm High Speed Steel Round Turning Lathe Carbide Bars 5pcs
Cyful 6x200mm High Speed Steel Round Turning Lathe Carbide Bars 5pcs
4.8 out of 5 stars 7
$11.89$11.89
FREE Delivery Mon, Dec

That's a great price, but the product description says it is not yet heat treated.  I worry about heat treating.  Not about the technical difficulty, but because it falls into the category of "things you might do once every 10 years and therefore have a significant learning curve."

The other problem I had with all the products on amazon is the lack of detail in most cases.  HSS can mean a lot of things, I think (ie O1? A2? M2?).  At least this listing was clear that it wasn't yet heat treated.

Mark

[Red Sawman]

That's a great price, but the product description says it is not yet heat treated.  I worry about heat treating.  Not about the technical difficulty, but because it falls into the category of "things you might do once every 10 years and therefore have a significant learning curve."

The other problem I had with all the products on amazon is the lack of detail in most cases.  HSS can mean a lot of things, I think (ie O1? A2? M2?).  At least this listing was clear that it wasn't yet heat treated.

Mark

Just get it hot enough that a magnet won't stick and stick in at least a gallon of oil … any oil … until it is cool … bob's your uncle … it's hard ...

[Daven53]

....................
You can achieve extremely high temps in a charcoal BBQ using a hair drier as a blower...And I have used several fire bricks in a small tunnel configuration and a Mapp torch..as long as the steel being hardened does not have much mass...like a small rod...the fire bricks "give back" some of the heat..

You need to hit 2200F, from a 1450F pre-heat, then quench.
Can you get that hot?

[mpax356]

I think the 6.5mm to be good for point tools and other small round turning tools. A bit larger than 1/4 but a good size. I prefer a 1/4" to a 3/8" point tool. In any case you can get them here at Amazon at a good price. For many tools cutt the bar in half and make 2 tools since you generally do not hang over the tool rest far using these tools and only need an inch or so in the handle. https://amzn.to/38L2KLa