Stainless steel machining questions

Newmetalmark

Newmetalmark

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I'd like to make some parts for some of my fishing reels and need to make them from stainless because they're going to be used in the surf.
What is the correct grade of stainless steel to use in saltwater?. I don't need it to be impervious to corrosion as I'd like to keep it machinable, just corrosion resistant. And what is the correct tooling for machining it on a lathe? Would I be able to use HHS or cobalt tooling?
 
I would use 303 Stainless. You can machine it with HSS but do not let it get hot, use a drip coolant on it or plenty of oil. I prefer water soluable but thats just me. Slower spindle speeds and heavier feed rates to keep it from work hardening.
 
Please post pictures. I am a fisherman and would like to eventually machine fishing reel parts too.

Roy
 
While 316 is a common corrosion resistant material, it is not actually the best for seawater. See the chart here:

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/metal-corrosion-resistance-d_491.html


However, 316 would probably be a good compromise between cost, availability, and machinability. I've done design and construction work in desalination plants and equipment, and we did use quite a bit of 316L, the "L" signifying low carbon, a derivative that is specified for applications requiring welding. Much of our piping was TIG welded.

If you wanted to go exotic, look into Monel or Inconel, but be prepared for machining nightmares. And cost.
 
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