SS for fittings

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
7,353
All,

What is the best stainless steel for fittings? Also, how hard is it to work with hand tools compared to, say, normalized 5160 or 1084.

thanks,

JD
 
I like 416SS. It is fairly easy to work, not difficult to solder, in the case of guards.
I find that it works about as easy as nickel silver, maybe easier.

303 on the other hand, is nasty to machine, and almost impossible(for most makers)to solder, and will gum up your tools.

Some people say you have to heat treat 416 for better corrosion resistance, but I have never done this, and have had no problems, either here in Arizona, or the more humid climate of the Southern California coast.
 
I'll second Mike's recomendation. Both 416 and 410 are easy to work with. Something else to consider is that if you build a knife that you may want to send out for engraving, most of the engraver's that I have delt with, seem to like these grades of stainless as well.
 
Yeah, 416 has become my guard and bolster material of choice for everything. It's almost as easy to work as brass or NS, polishes up beautifully, and stays the way you made it. I've never had a corrosion problem either. Someone would have to bend my arm behind my back to convince me to use anything else!
 
416 is it for me too.

In fact right now I'm only using 416 so I can learn how it behaves. Later I might try others (blued steel is next on my learn list).

Steve
 
Roger may I recommend

Glen C Hoffman
2128 Marsh Avenue
Marshalltown, IA 50158
641.752.3709

This gentleman is as fine a human as you will ever know, does absolutely beautiful work. He does not miss a detail. Makes your eyes water, man, his work is so fine. And he's just a regular ol guy to talk to. This is who will do any engraving I ever have done, do doubt about it.

Dave
 
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