can't find a place that sells 2" round 1045. any help/leads would be appreciated. thanks!

I buy it as 2 3/16". It will then have enough for machining to a finished 2" shaft for whatever it is needed. 1045 is used for shafting in the machinist world.

All the local steel suppliers have it in stock.

 

Neil

2" stock will likely be available in TGP (turned, ground and polished) but hot roll stock will be 2.25" or 2.312" most often.  If you only need some small lengths eBay is a good bet for drops.

Depends on how much you want really. One good source (good being convenient in this case) for online sales is McMaster Carr (mcmaster.com). You can buy 1", 3", 6", 9", 1 ft, 3 ft, or 6 ft pieces. Typically they will be more expensive than picking it up from a local steel yard, but you are paying for the convenience of buying online and having it sent UPS to your door.

Another good source would be to find a local machine shop who could either resell you a piece or at least turn you on to their supplier.

there is a supplier list in the knife ref. section

Ryerson is where I order mine from. It comes in 24 foot lengths and I have them cut it to size for 50 cents a cut.

Earle M Jorgenson I get them to cut steel to length as well. They typically cut a couple of lengths up to short pieces for $75 per length.  They have a $500 minimum if you don't have an account.