Question: peening stainless vs NS pins

[deloid]

I almost didn't post this question after reading a couple of the posts below about loss of access to mills, selling to China followed by the photographic elegy to the American steel industry. Depressing-

Still, I need to keep on keeping on and I can't peen well. I'm fine on wood or peening metal but for more fragile scales I have trouble. I have searched this forum, gotten responses concerning peening methods for bone but still... it is a hit and miss (not literally) situation.

Is stainless generally a bit softer and easier to round over than nickel silver? I can't use brass or copper in these particular projects.

Thanks
Dean

 

[kc custom]

Stainless is far and away harder to peen than NS, the answer is to use 316L stainless
and spin the pin instead of peening it. Large nail set idea, drill press and a little grease
and its amazing how well you can spin and expand a ss pin. other alloys than 316L
don't work well at all.
Ken.

 

[deloid]

Ken,

Thank you-

I had no idea that spinning expanded the pin I thought it was just for cosmetic rounding. This gives me a lot of hope and a new energy. 316L eh? Who is your favorite supplier for this?

You have no idea how excited I am to try this out now. Is it the friction heat and slight pressure that cause the mushrooming?
Dean

 

[mete]

Stainless steels of the 300 class work harden some easily , the most is 301. The least work hardening is 305 if you can find it. Whats the condition of the steel ? Full anneal is of course the best but some you get might not be full annealed !!

 

[12345678910]

Ken,

Thank you-

I had no idea that spinning expanded the pin I thought it was just for cosmetic rounding. This gives me a lot of hope and a new energy.

316L eh? Who is your favourite supplier for this?

Welding suppliers

316L Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod

It's stamped right on the end of the rod so there is no mix up.

You should be able to buy singles, not have to get a whole box.