Michael Cochran Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 I have a piece on 1 1/4" solid round steel with the number "321" stamped on the end of it. I've never seen markings on the end of a bar since I'm not used to bigger stock so I was curious if it might have been an alloy mark or if it was just some random stamping. I can get a picture of the end of the bar showing the size and marking if anyone would like to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothBore Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 321 STAINLESS is an alloy that's similar to 304,... with the addition of a bit of Titanium.It's commonly used for fairly high-temperature applications.I'm most familiar with it's use, as exhaust valves for diesel engines. If memory serves, ... it needs to be up around 2100 F ... for Forging. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Cochran Posted April 18, 2015 Author Share Posted April 18, 2015 I did look up the number before posting my question. I'm not used to having large new material so I don't know if it's common for steel mills to mark alloys like this or not. I went ahead and got a picture of it so everyone can know what I am talkin about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 Mills will paint ends with their code-which unfortunately is not a standardized code. Shops will stamp to keep track of what is on the stock rack after the painted end is cut off. We ran a job out of 321 not that long ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Cochran Posted April 18, 2015 Author Share Posted April 18, 2015 So it is possible that it's 321?anyone have suggestions for tooling to make out of it? I'll have to do some more readin on the alloy before I'd even have a clue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 It is a non hardening stainless, so tools are not a good choice in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Cochran Posted April 18, 2015 Author Share Posted April 18, 2015 Well then I haven't a clue what to do with it. I've tried stainless at the scrap yard and if the magnet sticks I get plain old iron rate so it's not anythin special to them either.If anyone wants a piece let me know, you pay for shipping and I'll let you have it :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothBore Posted April 19, 2015 Share Posted April 19, 2015 As so often happens, ... I probably should have been more direct .....The alloys used to make Engine Exhaust Valves, are chosen primarily for their stability at high temperatures. Those same characteristics would be very desirable in Tools intended for use in a Forge fire.For instance, ... Tongs with Jaws that don't burn up as readily as those made from Mild Steel. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Cochran Posted April 19, 2015 Author Share Posted April 19, 2015 Any suggestions then on how to forge down 1.25" of stainless steel to the point I could make tongs and fire tools without a power hammer or a striker? I've tried forging this stuff down and to get about 1" of it 1/4" smaller in diameter takes a lot of effort. I may need to go hotter i was at a high orange when I last fooled with it and the heat doesn't stay long. I'll try cutting most of the way through it about 4" from the working end that should help limit the amount of heat the rest of it pulls from it I'd imagine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted April 19, 2015 Share Posted April 19, 2015 Try up to a good yellow heat. Its service heat level is around 1,600° F, so get it hotter than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Cochran Posted April 19, 2015 Author Share Posted April 19, 2015 Ok, I'll keep that in mind. I think for now I will leave it alone to fool with at another (more experienced) time.thanks everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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