Stainless Bolster Material???

I've been getting 416 from Admiral 1/8" x 1 1/2" very reasonable, and working it couldn't be much easier.
Ken.
 
kc custom said:
I've been getting 416 from Admiral 1/8" x 1 1/2" very reasonable, and working it couldn't be much easier.
Ken.
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Thanks Ken, I had not checked them. They have the size I want 3/8" and it's a lot better priced than the other sources I've found at about $16.00 a foot cheaper. :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
I have a friend that owns a machine shop and gives me all the scrap stainless that I care to pick up, I am not sure what type it is but some of it at best is no more than scrap because it is so hard to drill and cut. I use what I have but if I were to order O would get 416 because of easy to cut, machine and drill.
 
Be aware that easy machining steels might pose problems during peening as the pin will split easily. The 3xx series work harden quite a lot, on top of it.
For me just switching from 3xx to 4xx changed a lot, now it feels like spreading butter when peening ;)

Hardenable steels in strict terms might show unwanted hamon if you solder the bolsters and if things get a bit hotter than they should with the torch.
That said get the same steel for bolster and pins, try some of the ones suggested and see how do they work in your shop, with your techniques.
 
Stezann beat me to it- I use both, 303 makes a nice guard but most of my bolsters are two part, pinned, with peened pins. I find that the 303 pins don't spread anywhere near as well, it takes a lot more care to achieve an invisible pin than with 416.
Another good source of material is Online Metals- they have good size sheet and rec. bar for very reasonable prices, and you can get enough to keep you for a while rather than just little pieces.
 
elementfe said:
Another good source of material is Online Metals- they have good size sheet and rec. bar for very reasonable prices, and you can get enough to keep you for a while rather than just little pieces.
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They have a good source for 303 but only have 416 in round stock.
 
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