Material for tool holders.

[dulltool17]

Good, sharp HHS tools are all you need.
My lathe is a combo Grizz with only 3/4 Hp and it cuts rifle barrels, etc with little effort. I don't go crazy with feed or depth-of-cut.
4140 actually is easier to machine than 1018, in my experience.

Here's a coincidence- look at the date you joined here. then look at my date.....

 

[Brento]

It would be a great coincidence but i had another account and got locked out due to forgetting my password lol.

 

[MrWhoopee]

If you can find it, I'd suggest ETD-150. It's a variation on heat-treated 4140 (Rc 32-38) with excellent machinability. Can be machined with HSS or carbide. Try it, you'll like it.

http://www.niagaralasalle.com/pdf/etd150casestudies.pdf

 

[Brento]

Ill keep an eye out for that but with it sounding like a special material i may stick with original 4140

 

[T Bredehoft]

My first job with my last employer was making ETD 150 into piston rods, form turn each end then thread them. One thread about 1 1/2 long the other about 4. I musta made hundreds, from 3/4 diameter up to about 2". They wanted to see if I could chase threads. I showed 'em.