Hello from Hudson Valley, what steel to use...

markba633csi said:
1144 stressproof and 12L14 leaded are both good. The stressproof is a little harder to machine but harder steel. Both about the same price I think.
Mark S.
Click to expand...

As far as I know, 1144 is not a leaded steel; 12L14 is, though.

1215 is the non-leaded equivalent of 12L14 and turns pretty nicely.

I agree, both are good steels for this project. I don't think you need to heat treat these tool holders for hobby shop use and either will work well. 12L14 is far easier to work with but will rust fast so keep the holders oiled when not in use. 1144 stressproof is harder and will resist wear longer; it is good because it comes semi-hard, resists warping when machined or heated and gives a nice satin finish with a sharp tool.

For a first steel project, I vote for 12L14.
 
PGregory said:
Thank you Bob and RGray - I am getting some 1144 and 12l14 to try out and I will post pics of the project as I go along. Nothing spellbinding, Im sure, but perils and outcomes will be new to me.
Click to expand...
1144 machines very nicely, as does 4130 and 4140. All is good until you let your cutting tools rub, which will cause the steel to work harden, and then the job will get a lot more difficult. With those steels and other higher carbon steels, keep the tool cutting freely the entire time it is in contact with the work. Shallow finish cuts can also be difficult with those steels, for the same reason.
 
I am starting out and I don't have a handy local source of surplus at good prices, or free. Yet(!) But, I now have some 1144 and 12l14 on the way to start with. I think this is a good project to learn some of the handling properties of the others, too...
 
Last edited:
For the cost difference , after your first set make another with drill rod . It's harder but you can buy the od you need , I try to look at the time spent as money wasted or made. Just a thought.
 
rgray said:
Streesproof info from Lasalle steel who developed it.:
http://www.niagaralasalle.com/product-stressproof.html

Can be induction hardened, but watch for quench cracks. The increase in diameter makes sense.
I just make it a rule not to try hardening it. As I've had others have no luck with it.
I just grab o-1 or 4130/4140 if I want hard things.
Click to expand...
Yes, and the link says nothing about it cannot be hardened. Induction heating is just one process of heating the metal to critical temperature. Most of my heat treating is done with a Mapp gas torch. 1144 steel has 44% carbon in it. I have no problem in hardening it and have done so for many decades. Also, the internet has lots of the same info. Just remember, that if you do heat treat 1144, all of its stressproof properties will be lost. Good luck with the Hobby…Dave.


PS. Induction heaters are very reasonable now from China. And like, if I don’t have enough on my plate. This toolaholic is seriously thinking of adding an induction heater to my toy shop. Good for heat treating, brazing, loosening rusted nuts...;)
 
Last edited:
chips&more said:
PS. Induction heaters are very reasonable now from China
Click to expand...

We're getting off topic but the induction hardening intrigues me. I find induction melting furnaces. Is this what you would use?
Or would one just use an induction heating element and pass the item though and then quench?
Found some on aliexpress and was gonna link a couple of pages but they are huge and take up a whole page themselves.

P.S. you missed a decimal 1144 carbon content .4 to .44% :encourage: I know you knew that, just put it out there for others who might be following :wink: https://midwestmetalwarehouse.com/carbon-steel/1144-stressproof.html
 
Just search fleabay with “induction heater”. For under 100 bucks you could easily have a new toy in your shop with a very powerful capability!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top