W-2 Source Questions

F

F. Allin Kahrl

Joined
Aug 20, 2004
Messages
211
So, I bought a bar of W-2, but it was pretty expensive. It'd be nice if I could find a cheaper reliable way to get it.

- Can anyone tell me which file manufacturers in which time periods were using W-2 for their files?

- Does anyone know a source for W-2 bar stock in small quantities? I bought mine from Southern Tool Steel but paid around $10/lb. for a single 6' bar.

Thanks.

-Allin
 
What were the dimensions of the bar (we know it was 6 feet long) and how much did it weigh. Ten bucks a pound does sound a tad expensive but that may be misleading. One place I'm checking into carries it in drill rod and a 1" diameter x 36" long piece cost about $30.00 if I remember right. Anyone know off hand how much a foot of 1"x36" steel rod weighs?
 
Ed Caffrey had a chemical analysis done on a buch of different files a while back. None were W2. Old Black Diamond files ran about 1.25% carbon in a simple carbon steel. Nicholson's were 1095. Several of the others were case hardenned. I'd also like to find a reasonable source for good, high carbon W2. The spec.s say it can run from around 0.6% to over 1.00% carbon. I'd love to get a good supply of 1.00% stuff, myself. W1 drilll rod is really easy to find, but I haven't seen any drill rod in W2. Let us know what you find out about that.

Todd
 
Hmmm... I just weighed myself and two rods of 1/2"x36" W1 and came up with 4 lbs. for the two rods. If I remember my geometry right I should double that to get 8 lbs. or so for a single 1"x36" rod of steel. I was wrong earlier about the price that was qouted for the 1"x36" W2 drill rod, it was $35.00 not $30.00. So that makes it about $4.38 a pound. So off hand I'd say that is a bit expensive for the 6 foot length you bought.

Ha, thanks Stevo, I just noticed your 8 lb. note! :D
 
Guy, the bar is 1/4" x 2" x 6'. By my calculations that should be a little over 10lbs., and I paid $110 for it.

The carbon content is certainly of interest but I'm mostly after the vanadium which W-2 has, and W-1/1095 does not.

Also, I'm still a stock removal guy so unless I decide to try some sort of ChrisReeve-style integral design, I really need flat stock. There isn't a lot I can do with rod stock.

-Allin
 
Allin; If you get round stock you could come down here and we could flatten it on my press and you could also put it on my surface grinder. We can make it almost any size you want. :D
 
That is some pretty spendy steel. The little bit I've worked it I'm finding out I need to go with a slower quench because of a cracking problems. I'd take IG up on his offer, with the amount of of money your spending on the W-2 IG could cook you a real feast plus it's about time for him to redo the welds on his press. :D
 
Message recieved from a contact from Michael Burch


I have had a health change and will not be able to help with steel for several months. It would be best to contact Noel or Brent at Tremblay Tool Steels 330-467-4725 and let them know you had found me on ebay and let them know what you are looking for. I think in W-2 they have many many rounds and flats beginning at about .75" thick
 
IG: Thanks a bunch! I've got some time in January that I'll probably take you up on that offer.

Guy: Mind letting me in on your rod supplier? Looks like I'll be able to use it after all.

Mark: Thanks for the tip on Michael Burch's tip.

You guys rule.

-Allin
 
Hi Allin, I haven't inquired with these guys personally and don't even know for sure they deal with small orders but this is the place that someone I know checked into and got the $35.00 qoute for a 1"x36" piece of W2 drill rod:

Ameralloy
 
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