making pivots?

[butcher_block]

so im thinking about making my own pivots can i do it on one of the micro lathes
2nd what kind of steel should i use D2 440c 52100 i can heat treat here so thats not a big deal
thanks
butch

 

[kkc]

I make my pivots with a taig mini lath it works well for me. Stainless steel is nice for pivots so they dont rust.


Kirby

 

[F. Allin Kahrl]

I've got a Sherline lathe and you'd be amazed at the stuff it can do. Pivots of any kind are no problem, along with thumbstuds, Loveless bolts, and all sorts of other things.

The steels you mention all sound like good choices. Out of them I'd probably pick D2 since it's wear-resistant, resists corrosion better than 52100, and is tougher than 440C. You'll also never have a problem getting D2 rod stock.

Lastly, D2 will be one of the most dimensionally stable when you heat treat it, making it much easier to hold tight tolerances.

-Allin