M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool
#11
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
Try these guys.   Key Metals Online Metal Supplier | Cut to Size & Fast Shipping!
M2 Tool Steel Drill Rod | Key Metals Tool Steel Online
It's not always the quiet ones who don't have much to say.
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#13
(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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#14
(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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#15
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Raw-...d=12102230
Steve

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#16
(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.
"the most important safety feature on any tool is the one between your ears." - Ken Vick

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#17
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.
''How can we ever hope to understand atoms?'' Heisenberg had lamented that day.

''I think we may yet be able to do so,'' Bohr replied. ''But in the process we may have to learn what the word 'understanding' really means.''
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#18
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
Mark in Sugar Land, TX
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#19
(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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#20
(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
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