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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
Mark in Sugar Land, TX
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(12-12-2020, 10:01 AM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: 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
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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(12-12-2020, 10:01 AM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: 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
This is not M2 steel but Doug Thompson sells 7 inch by 1/4 and 3/8 rod of A10 steel. It is in his Special and Miscellaneous Tools
section,
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WaterlooMark 02/9/2020
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(12-16-2020, 04:47 PM)James Ley Wrote: This is not M2 steel but Doug Thompson sells 7 inch by 1/4 and 3/8 rod of A10 steel. It is in his Special and Miscellaneous Tools
section,
Doug Thompson is always a great person to interact with and buy from.
His steel makes great turning tools and you don't have the challenge of hardening the M2.
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Next time I would rather give my $ to Doug Thompson, but in the past I have had good luck searching for HSS drill rod on amazon. That is often sold in the hardened state.
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(12-23-2020, 08:54 PM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: I bought these two items.
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/detail...rItem=0022
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/detail...m=01102243
They don't quote a hardness. Did I buy the right items?
Mark
According to the reviews this is pre-hardened. You just have to be careful grinding it so you don't draw the temper.
Grind a little at a time and dip in cold water to cool then grind again etc.
It has to get quite hot to draw the temper but that can happen fast on a grinder.
Dave
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(12-23-2020, 08:54 PM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: I bought these two items.
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/detail...rItem=0022
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/detail...m=01102243
They don't quote a hardness. Did I buy the right items?
Mark
Thanks! I didn't even look at the comments section.
Mark
Mark in Sugar Land, TX
