Milling Machine and Stainless Steel

[flatgrinder]

Hi,

I'm thinking about making a few folders using 440C as the material for the handles.

Anyone have any experience with 440C and a milling machine? What kind of "bits" are required to cut out the locks (framelock)?

Also, any special accessories needed to cut 440C on a lathe?

Thanks again!

 

[jhiggins]

Just work it like any air-hardening steel. Use mucho precaution not to harden it as you work it. No special bits required. In fact, I'd prefer a highly-sharpened hand-ground HSS tool bit over a carbide insert for clean cuts and better precision. :thumbup:

 

[polarbearforge]

440c is pretty easy to machine. Unless you really push it, it doesn't seem to work harden nearly as much as some other alloys. Personally, I use carbide for almost all my milling and lathe work. HSS will work, too. The main thing is to keep your speeds and feeds set properly.

Jamie

 

[B Finnigan]

Lots of little passes instead of trying to shape it in one or two deep ones. When it comes to lathe bits I use C-6 carbide for everything from brass to titanium. HSS is fine if you keep the speeds patheticaly slow and re-sharpen them every ten minutes. I don't have enough hours in each day to mess with it but I know others that only use HSS. Try HSS, Ti N, C-2 and 6 and see which ones work best for you. There is no one difinative answer on metal machining, I am always trying every combo to see what works for me.
Do whatever it takes to keep the stock cool while working it.

Do some machining on titanium first and then everything else will be a breeze.