Looking for tips on turning keystock.

[Ken from ontario]

I want to turn a small piece of 5/16" keystock for the first time, I'm using a HSS grooving bit so there's less of a chance of the tip breaking off ,could I use a HSS insert instead? is there anything else I should do like using lower RPM,or smaller DOC?
I am using a 3" 4 jaw chuck clamped to a faceplate ,it took me an hour to center IT and the workpiece on the lathe ,I need a bigger 4 jaw chuck.
Appreciate your comments.

 

[kd4gij]

What type of key stock?

 

[Charles Spencer]

Why turn key stock? It's more expensive than round stock of the same size.

 

[Ken from ontario]

What type of key stock?

5/16" x 5/16" x 12" Grade 1018 Zinc Low Carbon Steel Undersized Keystock

Why turn key stock? It's more expensive than round stock of the same size.

I want to make a few square headed screws, don't have a square collet block to use round stock .
The keystock is tougher than I thought it would be.

 

[Chipper5783]

How much is sticking out? Are you using tailstock support? Could make the head round (oversize) and square it up later, several options there.

 

[kd4gij]

1018 shouldn't be that tuff. If your having problems knock the corners off with a grinder.

 

[kd4gij]

You mean like these.
https://www.mcmaster.com/?q=mcmaste...er.com/=#square-head-specialty-bolts/=19op88s

 

[Ken from ontario]

2" is sticking out, no support of any kind. I tried to knock the edges with a file , way too tough for that but I like the grinding idea.

 

[Ken from ontario]

You mean like these.
https://www.mcmaster.com/?q=mcmaster-carr&form=EDNTHT&mkt=en-us&httpsmsn=1&refig=107acff9a0e0437ff92e3a37bc5bbe8f&sp=1&http://www.mcmaster.com/=#square-head-specialty-bolts/=19op88s

Exactly. well maybe with little taller heads,similar to Tubal Cain's idea here:

 

[kd4gij]

Center drill it and support it with the tail stock. It is flexing.