Source for 1/2" thick 5160 flat stock?

[Nick]

I've been looking for 5160, ideally .5"x1.5", but most of the places that sell it (especially knife-making suppliers) only have it in .25".  Admiral might have it but I don't want to buy a whole stick.  I'm waiting for a quote from Southern Tool Steel (don't know if they require a minimum) and a local steelyard, and I still need to call a couple local machine shops.  But on the off chance none of them pan out, any recommendations for where to get 5160?  I really want new stock, I don't want to risk fatigued metal in old car springs and such. 

[Rashelle]

Depending on length desired. You could try drops from an auto spring place. Or find out from them where they get their stock locally.

[brian robertson]

semi truck springs are usually .5 or better

[Nick]

I haven't been able to find a specialist spring shop anywhere near me, but I'll call around some of the places that do suspension work.  They might be able to point me in the right direction, too, if the machine shop doesn't have anything.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

I am having a rough time finding 5160, or 1095 in .250" diameter for a project at work. McMaster Carr has plenty of flats, but the round only goes to around .125". Our purchasing dept has called all over the place, but no one has what we need for a project at work. Funny, since I see springs with that size material. We need full length bars - 12' long to run through the screw machines.

[Jacob Nothstine]

You might check with

 

http://www.alro.com/

 

they sell drops

[Nick]

Just called up Alro, they don't have any, nor does the local machine shop.  Going to call Southern Tool Steel if they don't email soon.

[ThomasPowers]

You in the UP? I can't believe that there isn't a spring place close enough to work in Upper Michigan.

[Nick]

Yep, UP.  If there's a specialist spring shop I haven't found it yet.  Checking truck service places but so far nothing.  There's not much industry around here anymore.

[ThomasPowers]

You betcha; the UP is different! How big, how much do you need? Will it fit in a flat rate box? You might find a smith near such a place that would send some to you. I leave on vacation end of the week or I'd offer.

[Ohio Rusty]

What about an auto junk yard ?? There is bound to be a few of those in the UP.  Making the assumption that car/truck leaf springs are 5160 ... they are about 3 inches wide and easily .25 thick. If you were to squeese the width from three inches to 1.5, you could get a half inch thick. My nail header head is easily a half inch thick and was made from a piece of leaf spring I found along the freeway. Not knowing what the final product you want to achieve, If you wanted a perfectly flat mirror finish on the finished bar, it could possibly be machined. 

Ohio Rusty ><>

The Ohio Frontier Forge

[eseemann]

Have you looked at bushhog blades? They may be 5160 but I am not sure.

 

http://www.gaequipment.com/ take a look at Home > Landscape Rake Tines & Parts >  Italian Heavy Duty 2 Hole Rake Tine, this is a 3/8" 5160. You might find one in the right size at a local farm supply store.

[Nick]

I'd need two or three lengths 1.5' to 2' of .5"x1.5", so wouldn't fit in a flat rate.  OH Rusty, lots of auto junkyards, but for this project I really need new steel.  It's for crossbow prods, and I'm not going to risk old unknown steel for that, too much chance of metal fatigue.  I was hoping to find something closer to the center dimensions to reduce the forging time, too, so I only have to draw it out from the center.  I might have to find a different steel to use.

[ThomasPowers]

*STRONGLY* *AGREE* on use of new steel for that use!

[Nick]

Indeed!  Even then they'll be tested and have safety cords bound on, and tempered on the soft side. 

 

Eseemann, that may be a viable option if I can't find barstock.  The S-tine harrows would be even better, but I have to ask if they're solid spring steel.  I've read that some modern spring tooth harrows are case hardened.  Not sure if that's true, but I doubt they'll accept a return that's been straightened out!

[Bob S]

BBB ACCREDITED BUSINESS SINCE 10/27/2006

Michigan Truck Spring of Saginaw, Inc.

(989) 755-0561

[eseemann]

Nick, 

 

The tines have a tip bolted on to them at the end. That tip is a replaceable consumable. I think you will find these are spring steel (solid) since my Grandpa pulled a  gang of them around the Dallas County Alabama clay for who knows how many years. I just can not see case hardened having the spring needed but you are right to check before hand and I do not think you can return it once you have worked it. 

I plan on trying these for a lower power/long stroke cross bow. http://www.agrisupply.com/hole-landscape-rake-tine/p/33913/&sid=&eid=/

Our 2 hole landscape rake tines are perfect for a variety of tasks. You can use them to repair your landscape rakes or a lawn rake, or you can customize your own equipment.

Our rake tines are made of high strength 5160 steel, and they have been heat treated to 38-42 Rockwell to hold up to your projects. These are excellent tractor parts to have on hand, particularly if you frequently work with landscaping, gardening, or farming.

After the repair, you can easily handle preparing your soil for planting, removing rocks or other debris, or even grading for a patio or walkway. These landscape rake tines are also great for DIY projects.

Each rake tine measures 1" x 5/16" and has a 3/8" bolt hole. To repair your lawn rake, simply remove the broken piece and bolt a new rake tine in place. We recommend keeping several spare pieces on hand in case your tractor tines break while working on a project.

Specifications:

• High strength 5160 Steel
• Heat treated to 38-42 Rockwell
• 1" x 5/16"
• Two 3/8" bolt holes

 

This one is close but no cigar.  http://www.agrisupply.com/cultivator-c-shank/p/10406/&sid=&eid=/

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Have you checked McMaster Carr? May be a bit pricy, but they may have it.

[Frosty]

Nick: I believe Bob's posted solid contact info. If that doesn't work out though, just try calling or driving by a truck stop and talking to the shop guys. Show them some of your work and tell them what you have in mind, I'm betting they'll put you right in touch. The office guys or owner aren't going to be nearly as interested as the shop guys. It's a guys talking with guys with dirty hands thing.

 

Frosty The Lucky.

[Direwolf]

Hi Nick, not sure where you are in the UP but I'm not far from the border in WI. We have semis at work and tri ax end dumps, I have tons of spring steel I bring it home all the time. I have a brand new leaf spring from a semi we got rid of before using it. also have lots from pick up trucks, but used. I did bring two leafs home last week from a brand new 3/4 ton that got wrecked with only 1,500 miles on it they are just like new and about the size you are seeking. The semi leafs tend to be nearer 4-inch wide. I just brought a used one I took out of the front end of a tri ax yesterday as with most semis it is a good 200+ LBS of spring steel. PM me if you are interested, and be patient, I work a lot and do not spend a lot of time on here but do check email every day. I am near Park Falls.